After Six O'Clock...

For months now life after work includes rushing home to shower, eat dinner and get right on homework. By the time I get home I am usually pretty tired, in fact the past few weeks I've literally been falling asleep on my books. I am stressed out thinking about classes being over in just a few months and preparing for my senior portfolio because it's just around the corner. I cannot remember the last time I had a free weeknight or even think of  a moment where I was actually present in a little lazy time. What does your week night look like? If your Tuesday nights are hectic and long like mine, here are five things to help your stress and be more aware in your down time.

1. Put work stuff away. I am very guilty of working on library projects at home. Since I am currently getting my degree in library science, I am constantly coming across ideas to integrate into work. I get distracted and spend too much time on work when I need to focus on school. And even if you're not in school, work is meant to stay in the office, not your living room.

2. Clean/Organize. I thrive on cleaning and organizing, it really helps me concentrate on single tasking and not think about work or school. Who doesn't love a clean space when you come home after a long day at work. 

3. Work on a hobby.  I read so much between my job and school, sometimes my mind needs a break from consuming so much information. Relaxing to me means investing in a hobby or two, whether it's gardening, painting, playing an instrument or hiking. 

4. Cook more often. I've never spent more than twelve bucks on a cookbook or spent too much time in the kitchen.  I like to shop at thrift stores, sale racks, Amazon and hit up the library for new books. With so many recipes to try and slightly ashamed that I can barely cook anything, I am determined to cook more often.

5. Lay out work clothes the night before. If I choose my work clothes in the morning, it is practically an hour event, ridiculous I know. It takes twenty minutes for me to really wake up so thinking/picking out something to wear early in the morning is not fun for me. Instead  I like getting ready for the next day during my bedtime ritual the night before. Since I go to sleep really late, the little bit of extra time I can sleep in, in the morning goes along way during my work day.

(image via college prepster)