10 Better Things To Do After Work
For the longest time, I would come home from work and immediately pop on the TV. It was mindless—after a day of meetings, intensive heads-down work, and never-ending email chains, the only thing I thought I wanted to do was watch five episodes of some sitcom I’d seen hundreds of times before.
But then last year, I realized I was always ending the day feeling exhausted, or worse with a headache. In addition, I wasn’t sleeping well. So, I tried an experiment: Instead of turning on the TV in my free time, I’d pick up a book.
OK, so it’s not surprising that watching TV or looking at your phone for too long isn’t good for you. But what’s so intriguing is that extensive research found that doing any other activity that doesn’t involve a screen makes you happier than screen time would.
To quote one study cited in the article:
1. Read
It worked for me! Here are several suggestions for awesome fiction and career books to get you started.
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Refuse to Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams by Barbara Sher
Manhattan Beach,” by Jennifer Egan
2. Listen to a Podcast
Sure, it requires technology, but after you click play, all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes, and listen. One of my guilty pleasures is The Ladygang Podcast
3. Call a Friend
Catch up with someone you haven’t talked to in a while, you never know what the conversation can lead to.
4. Or Meet Up in Person
Rather than going home right after work, meet up with someone and grab dinner or drinks. Just make sure to put your phone away and give them your full attention.
5. Write
Start a blog, which I did back in 2014 and never looked back, i's a great platform to share ideas and opinions as is now one of my main passions. You could write an article and post it on LinkedIn, journal. Don’t worry about composing something spectacular—just get those thoughts on paper. You might feel surprisingly refreshed afterwards (although if you are posting on LinkedIn, might want to run it by someone else).
6. Cook
Or bake! Find a new recipe and try it out and if you bring your creation into work I guarantee your co-workers will love you.
7. Meditate
This doesn’t need to take up all your free time. Set aside 10-30 minutes right when you get home or right before bed to calm your mind.
8. Clean Your Home
Dirty dishes in the sink? Haven’t gone over the floors in a month? Need to do laundry? Food going bad in your fridge? Use the time after work to get ahead on your chores—even just one chore. It’s not only a great way to practice meditation, but it’ll free up your weekends for more fun.
9. Exercise
Not a morning person? Substitute the TV for a treadmill, yoga class, or online exercise video. You’ll feel like a champion.
10. Go for a Walk
If exercise isn’t your thing (I get it), go the more leisurely route and walk around the block—as long as it’s not freezing or pouring rain. Maybe take some music or a friend with you.
But then last year, I realized I was always ending the day feeling exhausted, or worse with a headache. In addition, I wasn’t sleeping well. So, I tried an experiment: Instead of turning on the TV in my free time, I’d pick up a book.
OK, so it’s not surprising that watching TV or looking at your phone for too long isn’t good for you. But what’s so intriguing is that extensive research found that doing any other activity that doesn’t involve a screen makes you happier than screen time would.
To quote one study cited in the article:
"We found that teens who spent more time seeing their friends in person, exercising, playing sports, attending religious services, reading, or even doing homework were happier. However, teens who spent more time on the internet, playing computer games, on social media, texting, using video chat, or watching TV were less happy."So, that got me thinking—if avoiding screens will make you happier, what else can you do to unwind after a day of work?
1. Read
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Refuse to Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams by Barbara Sher
Manhattan Beach,” by Jennifer Egan
2. Listen to a Podcast
Sure, it requires technology, but after you click play, all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes, and listen. One of my guilty pleasures is The Ladygang Podcast
3. Call a Friend
Catch up with someone you haven’t talked to in a while, you never know what the conversation can lead to.
4. Or Meet Up in Person
Rather than going home right after work, meet up with someone and grab dinner or drinks. Just make sure to put your phone away and give them your full attention.
5. Write
Start a blog, which I did back in 2014 and never looked back, i's a great platform to share ideas and opinions as is now one of my main passions. You could write an article and post it on LinkedIn, journal. Don’t worry about composing something spectacular—just get those thoughts on paper. You might feel surprisingly refreshed afterwards (although if you are posting on LinkedIn, might want to run it by someone else).
6. Cook
Or bake! Find a new recipe and try it out and if you bring your creation into work I guarantee your co-workers will love you.
7. Meditate
This doesn’t need to take up all your free time. Set aside 10-30 minutes right when you get home or right before bed to calm your mind.
8. Clean Your Home
Dirty dishes in the sink? Haven’t gone over the floors in a month? Need to do laundry? Food going bad in your fridge? Use the time after work to get ahead on your chores—even just one chore. It’s not only a great way to practice meditation, but it’ll free up your weekends for more fun.9. Exercise
Not a morning person? Substitute the TV for a treadmill, yoga class, or online exercise video. You’ll feel like a champion.
10. Go for a Walk
If exercise isn’t your thing (I get it), go the more leisurely route and walk around the block—as long as it’s not freezing or pouring rain. Maybe take some music or a friend with you.
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