How to Unwind After Work

Work’s done, but your brain did not get the memo. Emails still swirling. Deadlines haunting you like a bad pop song. You sit on the sofa, but your shoulders are still somewhere up near your ears.

Unwinding after work used to be simple: close the door, pour a drink, call it a night. But now? We need smarter rituals.

Ones that support mental health, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and actually let us enjoy the present moment, without trashing our energy levels the next day.

At Little Rick, we’re big on de-stress routines. So we’ve rounded up nine ways to unwind after work that actually work.

Spoiler: our CBD drinks are first for a reason. They taste good, feel better, and won’t pick a fight with your nervous system.

Quick Answer - How to Unwind After Work

Need the short version?

Create a simple evening ritual. Keep it repeatable. Switch off devices, move your body, and breathe slower for five minutes.

Then comes the chill-out drink. Instead of reaching for wine or beer, try a CBD drink like ours. Little Rick’s 32 mg full-spectrum cans are a go-to for stress relief, minus the fuzzy head.

They help you unwind, stay present, and feel more like yourself again.

9 Best Ways to Unwind After Work

Small actions work best. Pick two tonight. Add a third next week. Keep it easy.

1. Try a CBD Drink (Little Rick)

CBD drinks are a solid first move.

Full-spectrum CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, a fancy name for the network that helps balance stress, mood, and sleep. A 2021 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD may reduce anxiety by supporting serotonin signalling, especially after mentally demanding tasks. And unlike booze, it does not mess with your sleep cycles or spike your blood pressure.

Each Little Rick can packs 32 mg of CBD with natural terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene, both linked to calming effects in early studies. No alcohol. No sugar crash. Just vibes.

Curious how it all works? We’ve broken down the science behind CBD drinks in plain English.

2. Go for a Light Walk or Stretch

Ten minutes is enough. Movement lowers stress and boosts mood. It also helps you sleep better later.

UK Chief Medical Officers highlight regular physical activity as a core public health goal. A short walk loosens muscle tension after desk time and nudges your brain toward recovery. Pair it with gentle stretches at home.

3. Digital Detox Hour

Your phone steals attention and spikes stress. Try one hour without screens. Place your device in another room. Tell friends you are offline until nine.

Calm endorses boundaries like this to help you de-stress and protect mental well being. Your energy levels often rebound once notifications stop.

4. Practice Mindfulness or Breathing Exercises

Five minutes is powerful. Slow, deep breathing engages your rest system. It reduces heart rate and helps you feel present in the moment.

NHS guidance offers a simple technique you can use anywhere. Mental health experts at Harvard popularised the relaxation response, which counters stress. Try six slow breaths per minute for a short reset.

5. Take a Warm Shower or Bath

Warm water helps your body relax before bed. Studies show a warm shower or bath 1-2 hours before sleep can shorten sleep onset and improve sleep quality.

Keep it pleasant, not scalding. Then move to a cool bedroom for a good night’s sleep. Your future self will applaud.

6. Read or Journal Before Bed

Swap screens for pages. Journaling clears mental clutter and parked to-dos. Many people fall asleep faster when they write a short plan for tomorrow.

That small step reduces anxiety at night. It also creates distance from work thoughts. Your brain loves closure.

7. Connect With Friends or Family

Unwinding does not always mean being alone. Social contact improves mood and reduces stress. Send a voice note. Share supper.

Take a short walk together. Connection supports mental health and recovery after hard days. You will feel lighter. Promise.

8. Hobby

Hands busy. Mind calm. Paint miniatures. Bake bread. Tinker with a bike pedal. Leisure activities give your brain a task that is not work.

That shift helps you de stress and regain control after a noisy day. Keep it fun and low stakes. Five minutes still counts.

9. Cook a Healthy Supper

A simple meal is a reset button. Chop vegetables. Sear a protein. Sit down without your phone.

Cooking is active mindfulness and a clear route to stress relief. Your blood sugar stays steadier. Your sleep often improves, too.

Why Work Causes Stress? (and Why You Struggle to Unwind)

Work causes stress because you’ve been in the office for long hours, have tight deadlines, and the “always on” culture has turned evenings into mental overtime.

Between Slack pings and late-night emails, our brains are stuck in work mode, even when we’ve shut the laptop.

According to the Health & Safety Executive, around 875,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2022-23. That’s not just a blip, it is a growing public health issue.

Mental health experts say chronic work stress often stems from a lack of control, blurred boundaries, and unrealistic expectations. If you are struggling to switch off, it is not only about willpower.

It is about creating rituals that gently shift your nervous system from “go mode” to “rest mode.” Small habits can retrain the brain to chill.

Signs of Work Stress to Watch Out For (Red Flags)

• Tight shoulders and jaw. Classic muscle tension after long desk time.
• Racing thoughts at night. Trouble switching off and falling asleep.
• Irritability and snappy replies. Mood shifts as energy drops.
• Headaches or clenched teeth. Physical signs your body is overloaded.
• High evening screen time. Endless scrolling raises stress and steals sleep.
• Short breath and fast heart rate. Your system is stuck in alert mode. Try deep breathing exercises.
• Blood pressure spikes. Stress can raise readings in the short term. Relaxation practices may help bring them down.

Instead of reaching for alcohol, try a healthier ritual like a Little Rick CBD drink.

Why Unwinding Matters? (Science-Backed Benefits)

Unwinding matters because it is essential maintenance for your body and mind. When we relax, our parasympathetic nervous system kicks in.

That is the one responsible for calming things down, lowering blood pressure, slowing heart rate, and easing muscle tension. Basically, it helps us shift from “survive” to “thrive.”

The British Heart Foundation reports that chronic stress raises the risk of heart disease by increasing inflammation and disrupting sleep.

Meanwhile, research from the American Psychological Association links regular relaxation practices to stronger memory, better emotional regulation, and even improved immune function.

Physical activity, mindfulness, and de-stress rituals (yes, like sipping a chilled CBD drink after work) all help rebalance your nervous system.

They also support your mental well-being in the long run, reducing anxiety, improving mood, and giving you that much-needed reset after a hectic day.

So no, relaxing is not lazy. It is smart.

How Little Rick Fits Your Evening Routine

We make the ritual easy and tasty. Our UK cans contain 32 mg full-spectrum CBD. That includes minor cannabinoids and natural terpenes. Zero alcohol. Low calories. Great flavour.

• Try Mojito CBD while you cook.
• Enjoy Raspberry Lemonade with your book.
• Fancy dessert vibes? Raspberry Coconut hits the spot.
• Pineapple on the mind? Piña can brings summer home.
• Or keep it simple with the Mix Pack.

However you like to unwind after work, we’re here for it. Little Rick is your go-to mate for a mellow buzz without the stress.

Small rituals like this build up to big results. Better sleep. Calmer evenings. Happier Mondays.

Now that’s a habit worth keeping.

FAQs

How long does it take to unwind after work?

Most people need 30 to 90 minutes. Routines like walking, stretching, or sipping CBD can help speed things up.

What are 5 signs of work-related stress?

Irritability, poor sleep, muscle tension, low energy, and constant worry are common signs your work stress might be building up.

Why is it so hard to relax after work?

Your brain stays in “go” mode. Deadlines, devices, and stress hormones keep your body from shifting into recovery mode.

What is the fastest way to unwind after work?

Turn off screens, stretch, hydrate, and breathe deeply. Add a CBD drink to ease tension without relying on alcohol.

Do CBD drinks help you relax?

Yes. Studies suggest CBD supports stress relief, reduces cortisol, and promotes calm without sedation or psychoactive effects.

How do you unwind without alcohol?

Move your body, create a quiet ritual, sip a CBD drink, or journal. Alcohol-free evenings can feel even better.

What are natural ways to de-stress in the evening?

Try breathing exercises, light exercise, herbal tea, reading, or full-spectrum CBD. Simple routines help reset your nervous system.