Blog X Tradie Wind Down

Just because your work boots have come off, doesn’t mean you stop thinking about work. To truly relax and re-boot means to be physically and mentally free from daily stresses.
And while it’s nice to take a weekend vacation, sometimes all you have is an evening, an hour – or part of an hour. Whether it’s a beer with a mate, a camping trip in a month’s time, or a Netflix binge session, you can always find something to fit into your schedule as a downtime activity.

We took a recent poll of the top ways that tradies like to wind down outside of work – here were the results! 

#1 Exercise the stress away (Exercise)
Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, or cycling, is the gold standard in stress relief. It reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol, while also stimulating the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller and mood elevators. 

# 2 Yarn, banter, or barbeque – just as long as it’s in person (Socialising)
Socialising face-to-face can make you more resilient to stress now, and in the long run. It could be heading down to the pub with a mate or having some friends over for the game or a barbeque. Take your pick, but make sure you keep the conversation light and work topics off bounds. 

# 3 Hit the road Jack (Road Trip)
Packing for the day and jumping in the car for a road trip is a great way to either spend some time with family or mates. Recent research shows that while driving is linked to exhilaration and escape, it’s also a great setting for problem-solving. So, when faced with a dilemma; hit the road, Jack.

# 4 Fishing might float your boat (Fishing)
It’s not for everyone, but if it’s your kind of ‘boat’ then fishing is an ideal choice to relax and quiet the mind. Why? Well, because fishing requires lots of focus and awareness. It takes your mind off internal conflict and stress. 

# 5 Find your outdoors (Get Outside)
Hitting the surf, ‘forest-bathing’ or just heading down to your local park, spending time outdoors and in nature is an easy and inexpensive way to set your mind and body free of tension. Research also shows it may reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. 

# 6 Get the gear out, we’re going camping (Camping)
Take #5 to the next level and be truly at one with nature by going camping. Not only is it a great way to get a break from the modern world, but it also helps alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety. It’s been proven to improve personal development and for those who struggle getting quality sleep, it can help reset your internal body clock.

# 7 Screen time binge (Netflix Binge)
You heard right – whether it’s Netflix, Stan or Binge, some screen time is actually a great way to take a break from the daily grind. If you sit down with the family to binge watch a show, it can also be a great lead-in into topics you might not have the opportunity to discuss normally. 

# 8 Wax on, wax off – get that car sparkly clean Mr Miyagi (Wash the Car)
As if you needed an excuse to do a re-take of the The Karate Kid (1984) classic in person. All jokes aside, the act of engaging your mind in a repetitive activity – like the one Mr Miyagi suggests – not only has a calming effect, but also improves your mood and gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

# 9 Inhale… Exhale… (Deep Breathing)
If you are a sports fan, you’ll know why this is on the list. The act of deep breathing is vital for the optimal functioning of our body and mind, as well as stress relief. The big plus here is you can do it anywhere, anytime – just breathe. There are also lots of breathing apps you can download for step-by-step guides.

# 10 Get the Lego out (Lego Play)
Ransack your kids’ rooms and get the Lego out. Turns out, playing with building blocks is no longer children’s domain after recent research found it helps adults to feel more relaxed, and be more creative.

If you are open to new opportunities, contact a recruitment agency like Trojan Recruitment Group and receive advice from the experts in labour-hire, permanent and contract staff.

References

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321019#Face-to-face-contact-is-like-a-vaccine 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160726094826.htm

https://news.csu.edu.au/opinion/fishing-for-hope-the-importance-of-recreational-fishing-during-a-crisis 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842.htm 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342333728_Camping_Activity_Benefit_and_Suggestion 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344932/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344932/ 

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496 

https://hbr.org/2020/09/research-why-breathing-is-so-effective-at-reducing-stress 

https://www.rushford.org/about-us/news-press/news-detail?articleId=19080&publicid=470