If your stress levels are running high and your social batteries are running low, we suggest a night to reset and recharge at home. Mark it on your calendar like you would do with any other plan and indulge in the silence of being at home, doing exactly what you enjoy most. Pausing your professional and social obligations can help you destress and declutter your mind and body.

Combats stress

Chronic stress is a real thing. It happens for a variety of reasons, from big life changes to overly packed schedules—and it can take a serious toll on physical and emotional health.  According to research done by Harvard Medical School, some people turn to over-eating, not exercising, and other unhealthy habits when dealing with constant stress. This can lead to inflammation of the heart, and later, heart disease. In order to keep stress at bay, dedicate a night at home to unplug (from technology and socializing in general), draw a bath, and appreciate a moment of peace.

Be more present

Being present sounds simple enough, right? While you’re physically sitting at dinner with friends on a Friday night, your mind can be multitasking, without even realizing it. You subconsciously think about other moving pieces in our lives at all hours of the day: that friend’s vacation you saw on Instagram, a big upcoming meeting at work, the jury duty request that just arrived in the mail. Every so often, when your mind feels extra overloaded and overwhelmed with things going on in your life, cancel your plans and spend a night at home to unwind. By taking time to enjoy the silence and let your mind wander in whatever direction it needs to go, the next time you have plans you’ll feel more present, refreshed, and ready to engage in conversation.

Create boundaries

The new norm has its perks (especially for our pets). But it’s also harder than ever to turn it all off  and simply enjoy being at home. Home is no longer our escape from reality—it is our reality. The areas where we sleep, eat, and work are blurred together. Dedicate a night to reset and recharge at home, doing those indulgent things that you used to love about being at home. Cook a meal with your favorite comfort foods, binge your favorite TV show, and enjoy the simple pleasures of what home ought to be.

If your home feels cluttered and it’s no longer the place you love to escape to, try an Alfred at-home cleaning service to refresh your space!