7 easy ways to unwind after a stress-filled day

Instead of grabbing a tub of ice cream and catching up on your latest drama, turn to one of these methods to rest and relax without harming your health.

1. Meditate

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After a long day at work, meditating can help to clear your mind of your worries and give you a break from reality. Try starting out with basic breathing exercises. There are many phone apps available to help you kick-start your meditation journey too

2. Practice Yoga

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Instead of trying out high-intensity workouts, do some yoga instead. Doing heart-pumping workouts while you’re stressed or angry can actually increase your risk of a heart attack. Switch to yoga to calm your nerves and relax.

3. Burn a scented candle

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Find some alone time and dim the lights before lighting up a scented candle. Try a lavender scented candle for a more soothing effect.

4. Take a slow jog

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Instead of sprinting, pace yourself and go slow. Jogging helps to clear your mind, and gives you the peace to clear your thoughts and worries.

5. Explore the outdoors

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Immerse yourself in nature! Admire the flora and fauna around you and maybe even take a hike. You could also take your furry pal to the nearby park for a walk.

6. Prepare your own meal

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After a long day at work, take your time to prepare a wholesome dinner for yourself. The food outside is usually salty and oily, and by cooking your own meal, you can control the amount of salt and oil going into your food. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment after completion, and you can savour your own work afterwards.

7. Take a relaxing bath

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Take a hot long shower to get your blood circulating. You’ll step out of the shower feeling relaxed and ready to jump into bed! 

This story was first published on Shape.com