Switching off from work

[shygirlk]

Hi Im having such a difficult time switching off after work, I have hobbies to do and outside interests though I still struggle, and I find myself going over everything that has happened in the day, in tiny detail, what I said, what their reaction was, what could I have don't different, it does my head in and I just want to be able to switch off from work. What does everyone else do to help clear their head and switch off from work?

[MsPurple]

Hi shygirlk.

I myself have had some problems switching off after work too. One of my counsellors suggested meditation. I use the iphone app called 'calm' (free sessions only) but I have also heard of other users using 'headspace' and 'smiling minds', Meditation gets you to try and be in the moment and to be aware of your body (probably a terrible definition). The apps guide you. I find it really helpful at helping your mind stop racing and it helps you be present.

I also find having a warm bath and reading a book also helps. I found distraction was helpful for helping my mind get off work

Hope this is helpful. You don't have to spend long doing these things but it really did help me.

[gloria10]

shygirlk I completely understand and have been doing just that. Is there any thing that helps you unwind? I think its great that you have your hobbies, that certainly helps.

For me I try things that I can focus on such as playing video games or paintings and reading. Oh! Going for a walk is good too, I find my head feels clear after that.

I hope things improve for you.

[graysky]

Meditation and mindfulness of any form are good ways to unwind, if that works for you.
I see my friends and if we have a conversation about work I can confide in them and then tell them about work. Hearing their opinions of my day at work helps me to stop going over everything that I did wrong, or things I said.

[shygirlk]

Thank you Ms Purple, Gloria10 and graysky for replying, you have all offered some very useful suggestions and I am going to try and put them into practice. I have downloaded the smiling minds app and am going to give that a go.

Gloria10 in reply to your question, I like to look at my favourite websites on the internet, I also play music and do crafty things as well.