The Recipe For A No-Fuss Evening
Sometimes, at the end of a long day, all you crave is a quiet and relaxing moment. Unfortunately, our evenings can be stressful too! When you think about everything you need to do and prepare at home, the list of tasks never ends!
But, you deserve a break to recharge your batteries and forget about work. How can you best throw a chill-out evening at home that supports your mental and physical health? Here are some of the best and most accessible methods for a no-fuss evening.
Easy and yummy dinner
We get it. It’s been a long day, and the last thing you want now is to get stuck in the kitchen for ages. But, here’s the thing: Ordering food will not make you feel any better. In fact, it’s going to be the exact opposite. Don’t believe it? Here’s why takeaway food is a no-no after a stressful day. Firstly, you have no control over the ingredients. Most delivered foods include many high-calorie flavoring elements, such as fat, sugar, sticky gooey sauces, and cheese. Sure, your taste buds will thank you for it. But you’ll experience a sugar blood peak that will drop dramatically as soon as the digestion begins. As a result, you are feeling sluggish and down. So, that’s not the feel-good experience you expect.
Instead, you want something nutritious and easy to prepare, such as this delicious garlic pork tenderloin recipe. The recipe requires very little preparation time; your oven does most of the work. This gives you plenty of time to relax and unwind. Besides, the juicy and tasty food will immediately put a smile on your face. Homecooked meals naturally boost our happiness and well-being.
Make room for yourself in your routine
Most of us have a contrived evening routine that often fails to include the necessary me time. So, when you’ve had a stressful day, you can’t afford to postpone relaxation. It’s essential to structure your evening schedule to make room for relaxation. Ideally, you’d love to take vacation days. But when you’re in the middle of a work project, it’s often impossible to take a prolonged break. But that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from giving yourself some breathing room in the evening. Setting boundaries with your family at home can ensure they give you the space you need to relax in the evening. There’s nothing selfish about taking some me time. So whether you want to relax with a facial mask in bed or write your journal in peace, make it clear, so others know when to respect your time.
Run a hot bath
A hot bath can be the best cure to stress. Hot water has a therapeutic healing property. Hot baths, which are popular in Asian cultures, bring a form of purification from the day-to-day mental load. According to dermatologists, the skin releases endorphins — the feel-good hormones — in contact with warm water. Submerging yourself in hot water also increases blood flow, which is reinvigorating and energizing. It can directly tackle harmful stress effects, such as increased blood pressure, by actively contributing to calming you down. It can also relieve muscle tensions caused by stress and anxiety. You can even pair your bath with essential oils, such as lavender, which naturally induces relaxation and mindfulness. 
Release your laughter
Laughing may not be a cure for everything, but it certainly has a positive impact on your health, including your mental health. So, after a long and stressful day, watching your favorite comedy show can help you release happy hormones. Laughing is also a contagious activity. When you laugh, people laugh with you, which helps you form bonds. Sharing a joke with your loved ones can significantly boost your mood at the end of the day. Lastly, laughing also acts as an antidepressant as it releases serotonin.
Don’t stress out about bedtime
We all understand the importance of a good night’s sleep to relax. However, after a stressful day, you might need a long time to unwind. As tempting as it can be to go to bed early, it could be counterproductive to your state of mind. You might find it more beneficial to take your time and enjoy a relaxing evening of doing your favorite things. Read a book, play a game, or listen to a soothing podcast. There’s no need to rush to bed if you are still feeling a little stressed out. In fact, it’s likely to make things worse. Go to bed when you are tired, not when you think you should be tired. Does it mean you might not get 8 hours of sleep? Yes. But it’s better than going to bed early and turning aimlessly through the night because you’re unable to fall asleep. Not being able to fall asleep adds to your stress level!
Seize the opportunity to turn an ordinary weeknight into a soothing and relaxing evening that preserves your mental health. It’s time to learn how to relax at home.