If we’re totally honest, after a long day it’s tempting to reach for a screen – you might want to catch up on shows, scroll on social media, or play a game, for example, but whatever it is, screens have become a way a lot of us choose to relax a lot of the time. But sometimes, all that blue light and background noise can leave us feeling more wired than rested, and if you’ve ever closed your laptop just to open your phone, you’ll know exactly what that’s like. 

The good news is that there are plenty of screen-free ways to wind down that actually help your brain switch off and reset, and if you want to know more, keep reading to discover how to wind down without screens after a long day. 

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom

Literally Step Away

One of the easiest ways to break the screen habit is to physically move away from it. That sounds simple, but it works, so why not try it? You can go in a different room, sit somewhere new, or even go outside for a bit of fresh air, for example. A short walk after work can be surprisingly effective because it clears your head, gets your body moving, and puts a bit of distance between you and the workday, so why not? 

If going out isn’t an option, just changing the atmosphere in your space can help. You can do that by switching on a lamp, lighting a candle, putting on some music, and so on. In other words, it should be something that signifies to your brain that the workday is officially done. 

Do Something That Feels Like A Treat

Winding down doesn’t have to mean doing nothing – it can be about doing something nice, just for you. That might mean flipping through a magazine, stretching out on the sofa with a blanket and a warm drink, or catching up on a hobby you never seem to have time for, along with loads of other options. 

And let’s not forget those little personal rituals that help you switch gears and relax more. For some people, it might be taking a long shower or having a bit of a home spa moment with lotions and potions. Others might just enjoy a quiet moment to themselves or even use some time to re-stock their essentials – this could be the ideal time to browse and check out the best bulk buy vapes, save now offers you bookmarked earlier. What we’re saying is that whatever it is you choose to do, it doesn’t have to be massive or exciting, it just needs to be good for you. 

Let Your Mind Drift

When you’re so used to constant stimulation, the idea of sitting still can feel a bit weird at first, but giving your brain some space to wander is actually a great way to wind down – you might find that your thoughts settle a bit, or that you start to feel genuinely tired, which is exactly what you want as you get closer to bedtime anyway. 

Do whatever it is that helps you slow down gently, like journaling or listening to a podcast and so on, and you’ll find you feel so much more relaxed.