If you do 9-5 or you work from home, you have got to stay glued to our After Work Series starting today. Your wellness is our priority at Edutimes Africa. After a long day of work, it’s easy to carry stress home without even knowing it. But unwinding after work is important for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Here are 20 simple and practical ways you can relax after a busy day.
1. Take a warm bath
A refreshing bath helps wash off the stress of the day, especially after facing Lagos traffic or hot weather. Add a little scented soap or body wash if you have.
2. Listen to music
Put on your favourite Afrobeat, gospel, or highlife playlist. Music can instantly lift your mood and calm your nerves.
3. Eat a light, comforting meal
A plate of pepper soup, plantain and egg, or efo riro with amala can relax both your body and mind. Avoid very heavy meals late at night.
4. Take a short walk
Stroll around your street or compound. Evening breeze in Nigeria can be soothing, and light exercise helps clear the head.
5. Watch a Nollywood movie or comedy skit
Simple, funny entertainment is a great stress reliever. Many Nigerians find relaxation in short skits on Instagram or YouTube.
6. Pray or meditate
A few quiet minutes talking to God or meditating can bring peace of mind after a stressful day.
7. Read a book or devotional
Instead of scrolling endlessly, pick up a short novel, inspirational book, or daily devotional to refresh your mind.
8. Sip a cup of tea
Green tea, zobo, or even hot chocolate can calm your system after work. Avoid excess coffee late at night.
9. Do some gentle stretches
Stretch your arms, neck, and back. It’s especially useful if you sit in traffic or at a desk for long hours.
10. Chat with family or friends
Laughing and sharing stories with loved ones over dinner or phone calls helps you relax and reconnect.
11. Switch off social media for a while
Too much scrolling can increase stress. Try 30 minutes offline to give your mind a break.
12. Tidy your space lightly
Arrange your room, wash up plates, or sweep. A clean environment can calm your mind.
13. Take a power nap
A 20–30 minute nap after work can refresh you before doing evening chores or family time.
14. Enjoy a hobby
Whether it’s cooking, playing Ludo, painting, or even singing along to music, hobbies are good for relaxation.
15. Write in a journal
Note what went well during the day and what you’re grateful for. It helps release bottled-up stress.
16. Play games
Video games, board games, or simple phone games like Ludo King can lighten your mood.
17. Step outside for fresh air
Sit outside your house, on the balcony, or under a tree. Just breathing fresh evening air can relax you.
18. Have a light conversation with neighbours
Nigerians often relax by chatting outside with neighbours about football, politics, or everyday gist.
19. Dance around your room
Put on your favourite song and dance freely. It lifts stress and boosts happiness instantly.
20. Sleep early
The best way to fully unwind is to rest properly. Going to bed on time restores your energy for the next day.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
