Few things may deplete your vitality like a stressful day. Stress is known to lower our levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that influence our mood, energy, and motivation. After a long day, you may be tempted to relax on the couch and watch TV until it's time to go to bed. Although it may feel nice in the moment, it will not provide the mood and energy boost you require after a stressful day. Here are five simple strategies to rejuvenate oneself.

1. Unplug

After a stressful day, you need to unwind—which includes turning off your phone for some much-needed "me" time. It can be tempting to spend all night on the couch with your phone, checking emails, responding to texts, or getting lost on Facebook and Instagram.

Unplug. Turn off your phone and store it in an out-of-the-way drawer in your home or in your car. Do not touch it again until you have had a good night's sleep.

2. Go Outside

Even if the sun has gone down, a quick walk outside will help you feel energized and relieve stress. The sun's rays will stimulate your brain to release serotonin, which will boost your mood and make you feel calm and focused.Exercise is also one of the most effective ways to enhance your mood, allowing you to reduce stress and sleep better at night. Even if the sun has set, going for a walk outside will make you feel more energized because of the exercise and fresh air. 

3. Refresh Yourself

After a long day, relax with a 45-minute sleep. A brief 5- or 10-minute meditation session might also help raise your spirits. Use your phone to look up a guided meditation on YouTube or play some soothing music while you meditate quietly for a few minutes. You can also treat yourself to a bubble bath, or if you need something more upbeat, take a fast shower. Before you exit the shower, sprinkle some ice-cold water on your face; the coldness will freshen and wake you up.

4. Eat Healthy

A healthy meal or snack is exactly what you need after a long day. Avoid comfort meals that make you feel sluggish. Instead, fuel your body with protein, fruits, veggies, and whole carbohydrates. These meals will gradually release energy into your system, and you will likely experience a mental boost as a result of the feel-good effect of eating well.

5. Make Plans

Looking forward to something is an excellent approach to improve your mood in the long term. Plan a vacation, a weekend escape, or a single day trip. Even organizing a special lunch or going to a new pub or restaurant will help; give yourself something to look forward to.

Are you struggling to maintain your energy levels? Is stress causing you to feel tired, anxious or depressed? A licensed therapist can help you find ways to manage stressful situations. Call my office today and let’s schedule a time to talk.