15 After Work Routine Ideas

Shifting your mindset away from work and beginning to unplug at around 5pm every day is such an undervalued period of time.

I used to either keep working, or stay on my laptop working on another project or aimlessly scrolling social media on my phone.

Creating a distinction between work and your personal life is so important in modern times, especially as technology can lure us back into work mode at any time of the day, if we let it.

Here are some of my favorite things to include in my after work routine to help me unplug: 

1) Clean your workspace

This is something I do religiously and it’s a real gamechanger. Taking 5 minutes to tidy my workspace not only acts as a signal to my mind to start switching out of work mode, but puts me in a strong frame of mind the next work day as I’m ready to go with a clutter free workspace from the get go.

2) Stretch

Again, I do this one at the end of every day for 10 minutes. Being sedentary all day will cause everyone to develop some tension, especially in the back and neck. Taking time to get the blood flowing and release the day’s stress from your body does wonders to help keep you limber and pain free.

3) Take a walk

I do this one on occasion if the weather’s good and especially if I’m short on steps for the day. Changing up your environment is a great way to shift out of work and into a more relaxing headspace.

4) Exercise

I normally get exercise in in the morning or on lunch, but if I’ve not found the time afterwork can be a useful time to burn off any excess energy you have saved up. 5-7 is an ok time to do strenuous exercise, but try to avoid doing it any later as it could impact your sleep quality.

5) Prep dinner

Has to be done and it’s the perfect changeup from looking at spreadsheets all day! I find prepping food fairly relaxing so it offers a nice way to transition into a more relaxed state.

6) Do some chores

Admittedly this one happens a lot less! But if my office needs a good clean or the bathroom does, I’ll get on with it. It’s actually a good way to get some movement in and it saves me having to do it Saturday morning! 

7) Change clothes

Changing your attire into something more relaxed for the evening helps you to unwind and take your mind into a more chilled state. A small action that can be quite beneficial to your mental state.

8) Listen to some music

I often put the radio on whilst I’m preparing dinner. Again it’s a great way to take your mind away from work to something more entertaining.

9) Read a book

I tend to read closer to bed, but if I can’t think of anything else, a few chapters of a book is a great way to port your mind away from work emails to a more fun fictional place!

10) Do something different

Going to the park to see a new exhibit, taking a bike ride, volunteering, doing some gardening, visiting a friend you’ve not seen in a while. If you’re in a bit of a repetitive rut, some out of the box thinking can always render up some fun activities.

Railbiking anyone?

11) Take a nap

On those days that really take it out of you a good 20 minute nap can work wonders for re-energizing you for the evening. Just try not to sleep for too long or you’ll spend your night staring at the ceiling.

12) Catch up on a TV show

If you’re got something you’re watching at the moment, or even the evening news can be a good way to shift your thinking away from work.

13) Shower

This one very much depends on your daily routine (I’m a before bed showerer generally). Having a wash post work can be a cathartic way to transition out of the working day.

14) Spend time with pets or family

Proactively carving out time to spend quality time with family and hear about their days can be a fantastic way to get some perspective and offer advice making it really valuable time spent.

15) Reflect

Oftentimes there’s not enough space to reflect on your work and the day itself. Taking a few minutes to jot down notes or think about what went well and what can be improved on can help give you balance and make you a little bit better everyday.