10 Free Ways to Decompress at Home
Home is where I feel most comfortable. I also believe that your home should truly be your happy place- your sanctuary, your safe place, the one spot where you feel most like yourself. There is nothing I love more than coming home after a stressful day or time spent away. One of my best friends is a therapist & psychiatrist and we had a great conversation the other day, I thought was worthy of sharing. We were brainstorming ways to decompress. I do my best decompressing at home and it doesn’t cost me a penny. Click through for 10 of my favorite ways to decompress at home! Whether you’re returning from summer travels, are gearing up for a new school year, are in need of some R&R, or you just want to relieve some anxiety- I hope these will help alleviate stress and put on a smile on your face.
#1 // Light a Candle
My therapist taught me this trick years ago. There’s something calming and intoxicating (in a good way) about the flickering flame and incredible aroma or scent floating through the air of your home. It’s amazing how a simple thing like lighting your favorite candle can instantly help you decompress. I light a candle every single evening. It has become such a nice habit and reminds me it’s time to zone out and let the worries of work slip away.
#2 // Cook a Meal
I love cooking a meal in my kitchen from scratch. Cooking and baking is really a therapeutic process. I find that when I’m cooking and eating healthy, homemade food- I feel my best. If I have an especially rough day or have something heavy weighing on me, comfort food really helps. Might I suggest chicken pot pie or butternut squash ravioli? Those are two of my favorites!
#3 // Put on Comfy Clothes
The first thing I do at the end of a workday is change into comfortable clothes. I go straight to my closet for the comfy pants. Being completely relaxed and stress-free starts with your body. Feeling comfortable in my own skin and clothing helps me switch out of work mode.
#4 // Cuddle Your Pet(s)
My dogs make me so happy. There is nothing better than cuddling them and loving on them. There is a reason therapy animals exist and work- they can immediately boost your mood. I snuggle my pups every single morning and each evening. It helps me start the day on the right foot and end the day with a feeling of joy.
#5 // Put on Music
This is my friend Brooke’s record player– and believe me when I say I wish I had one, but regardless… turning on music immediately improves my mood. We use Sonos speakers or our Amazon Show to play our favorite playlists while we cook or sit outside on the patio or balcony.
#6 // Have Movie Night
I love escaping negativity, reality, or stress by watching a good movie. Emmett and I like to go all out- we get movie snacks, make popcorn, and go into full relaxation mode from the comforts of our own home. We grab the heavy movie blankets and snuggle into our couch.
#7 // Take a Bath
This is a big one for me. I love relaxing with a hot bath. Bonus points if you treat it like a spa… I pull out my bath robe, house slippers, light a candle, and usually put on a face mask. I also love ending with my incredible DIY sugar scrub. Self care goes a long way when it comes to decompressing.
#8 // Clean House
This one doesn’t seem as fun as the others, but trust me when I say- living in a clean and organized home will make you feel your best. I definitely feel happier and accomplished after I give the house a good cleaning. Sometimes it takes a bit to work up the motivation, but that post clean feeling is always worth it.
#9 // Read a Book
Find that cozy spot in your home and snuggle up with a good book. Whether it’s laying in bed with a bedside lamp or cuddled into a window seat or nook, pull out your favorite blanket or throw and read. This is also a great spot for journaling or setting intentions! I like to do that in the morning, whereas I prefer reading in the evening.
#10 // Pour a Drink
Lastly, pour yourself a drink. I love having a glass of wine and watching the sunset on our balcony at the end of a long day. It really helps me relax and let go. Obviously over serving yourself isn’t the healthiest way to decompress (moderation is key with everything), but there is nothing wrong with having a glass of wine or shaking up a cocktail a few times a week!
At the end of the day, do what feels best for you and your body. By practicing some of these things, your home will feel more like your happy place! I’d love to hear how you decompress at home. Is there anything I missed that I should start trying or add to the list? I hope everyone is having a great week. It has been really busy over here (and a bit stressful), so the timing of this post felt right… like a good reminder.