I am one of those people who love relaxing after a long day of hopping around in the office. Hence, I have always been on the lookout for new ways to unwind. Having tried several methods to do so, I have selected three of the simplest favorites of mine. Imagine drum rolls in your head and here is the list –

1. Hot Shower – There is nothing better than a hot shower at the end of the day to help in speeding up the rejuvenation process. So many songs of praises have not been sung for it without a reason. This one is my personal favorite. Not only does it help me in forgetting the hustle and bustle of the office, but it also opens up my fast asleep creative mind. One of my best short stories developed while I was in the shower. So, if you haven’t tried this centuries’ favorite method to calm your nerves, I’ll highly recommend it. In fact, I insist that you try it.
2. Following a Good TV Series or Listening to Inspiring Music – The definition of a “Good TV series” is entirely objective; therefore, I urge you to not be judgmental by my choice of good TV series. Friends, Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, Game of Thrones (a recent favorite), Salem (another recent addition to the list), Big Bang Theory are a few angels who have rescued me from falling into the world of depression. The beginning of my job wasn’t a bed of roses. I was having a hard time in the office, being rebuked by the seniors, and crying in the washroom. Survival was becoming harder every day, but then I found shelter in the arms of Friends, Bewitched and I Dream Of Jeannie. I kept watching these over and over again to a point that I knew next dialogue and next scene; however, the lack of suspense could not take away the overall impact of these series. Another useful trick has been music. I do not possess enough knowledge of words to praise the power of melodies. When I felt that I was doomed for the lie, music was right there waiting to hold my hand and take me into a world of possibilities. Believe me, if you can find the right track at the right time, you would be happier than your current mindset. These days, “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic is the one that brings a smile to my lips. If you haven’t heard it yet, I would urge you to at least look up its lyrics right now.
3. Write in a Positivity Journal – The idea of documenting a few positive incidents from each one of your days is in no way my original idea. I have just forgotten where did I read about it. Being an avid reader, I would believe that I read about it in a non-fiction. However, my brain tells me that I read about it in somebody’s interview. Damn you, my forgetful head! Anyway, the idea was that at the end of each day, this couple used to write about one thing that they wish to remember forever. This way, they created their own personal memories’ album, which consisted of words instead of pictures. In my case, however, I have modified the idea. I haven’t kept it a couple-oriented journal. Instead, I write about any positive thing that happened in my day. This way,  my brain focuses on finding something positive to write about in my positivity journal. Thus, no matter how tough the day was, I know that there was a ray of beauty even in the hardest of days. Can’t say that I have been a loyal friend of this journal; however, I am trying to make this a habit. I am sure that it would become invaluable to me, one day.

How do you unwind after a super-stressful day of work? Any secret ingredients?

This post is dedicated to day 3 of the Write Tribe Festival of Words.