Hello Friday, we meet again.

It’s been a whole six days since we last saw you and we must admit you were dearly missed.

After yet another stressful work week marred by schedule conflicts, piles of meetings and deadlines galore, your arrival has been a saving grace.

This weekend, we’re doing the unthinkable… throwing everyday responsibilities to the wind and dedicating some much-needed time to DE-STRESS!

Need some advice on how you can too?

Keep reading for Our Today’s six best ways to de-stress after a long and hard week.

#1 – UN-PLUG

When was the last time you signed out of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or switched your phone to Do Not Disturb? If you can’t remember, it’s been far too long.

While it may not be the easiest thing do, disconnecting from the world for a few hours a day can actually work wonders as far as decreasing your stress levels. This slight reprieve from the never-ending information train will leave your mind feeling cleansed and your spirits much higher.

#2 – EXERCISE

While it may not be your top priority during the week, dedicating one to two hours on weekends for exercise can also help your body to release any pent-up stress and tension you harboured throughout the week.

And guess what? You don’t even need to do any intensive workout routines or run six miles on a treadmill. What’s important is that you get up, get out and get moving.

Taking a nice walk or going for a relaxing bike ride is a great way to clear your mind and get a little bit of quiet time.

#3 – LISTEN TO SOME MUSIC

The kind of therapy that listening to your favourite song out aloud, while dancing like nobody’s watching gives is one like no other. In fact, research shows that music can help slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Not to mention that singing along to your fave tunes helps to release happy hormones which will boost your mood. 

#4 – GET LOST IN A GOOD BOOK

Whether it’s an OG favourite or a new release you were dying to get your hands on, books provide a perfect avenue to take a break from your everyday reality.

If you’re lucky enough to find the right book, it won’t be long before you’re completely immersed in a story entirely different from your own, that pushes all your worries and concerns of the week out of mind.

#5 – REWATCH YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE

Possibly the easiest and best way to unwind after a long week is to throw on your favourite movie.

The one you’ve seen so many times you’ve now lost count, but you never get tired of the story line, the characters and the way it makes you feel after watching.

No questions asked, the familiarity of the characters and the nostalgia you feel when you watch your favourite movie will totally make you forget all about why you were even stressed in the first place.

#6 – INDULGE IN SELF CARE

Bubble baths and face masks anyone?

Almost nothing beats a nice, relaxing bubble bath. It’s a classic de-stressing technique for a reason, and it most definitely does the trick. Light a few candles, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy some time in a warm bubble bath of essential oils guaranteed to soothe the pain.

Happy De-stress Weekend! #EnjoyItWhileItLasts