This post is sponsored by La Marca Prosecco but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl Media Group editorial board.
"When it comes to setting ourselves up for success, we’ve found that curated after-work routines are one of the most crucial parts of our day. The hours after we close our laptops can truly make or break our week and are paramount in helping us reflect, invest in ourselves, recharge, and rest. Having a go-to post-work ritual can be the key to helping us show up as our best selves when we return to the grind the next day.
Finding a fulfilling routine that works for you doesn’t mean packing your post-work schedule with an unrealistic, overwhelming to-do list. It’s all about keeping it simple and finding balance. We’ve partnered with La Marca Prosecco, our bubbly of choice and a brand that stands for adding some sparkle and celebrating the little wins of every day. Together, we’ve made it our mission to help you curate an after-work routine that will set you up for success and make each moment special along the way. Whether you want to completely revamp your evening routine, make small adjustments, or start from scratch, these five after-work routines will help you get out of work mode so that you can show up as your best self:
1. For days when you feel like you can take on the world…
When we have those high-energy, wildly productive days, you might just make the choice to keep the ball rolling. Once you get home, switch out of your work clothes into activewear, turn on some of your favorite music, and get ready to make this evening the best one yet.
One thing your future self will thank you for:
If you feel like you have the bandwidth for a productive evening, it’s the perfect time to finally get to that one task on your to-do list that you’ve been avoiding. Maybe that task is a project like finally hanging up your gallery wall that’s been sitting behind your couch for far too long. Maybe it’s reviewing your finances and creating a realistic budget that you can stick to, or maybe it’s getting to the DMV to renew your license. Regardless of the task, we all have at least one that we put off for a multitude of reasons. Well, ladies, today is the day. Even if you don’t check it off of your list completely, giving it even 10 minutes of attention can make tackling it next time even more approachable.
One thing that will nourish your mind, body, or soul:
Get ready to get your sweat on because tonight, we’re getting active. Schedule a group class that you’ve always wanted to take, hit the gym, or enjoy the sights of your neighborhood with a quick run outdoors. No matter what type of activity you decide to do, we promise you’ll be happy you did it. Hello post-workout endorphin rush, we’ve missed you!
One thing to celebrate yourself:
While it might be second nature for us to compliment our coworkers for a job well done, a stranger on the street for rocking a fashion-forward outfit, or a friend for having a great sense of humor, it might not be as intuitive for us to compliment ourselves. Write it down or speak five self-centered compliments into the universe and pour a glass of La Marca bubbly to elevate the occasion because you’re worth celebrating.
One thing to wind down:
After a busy day, winding down is absolutely critical to cueing our minds and bodies that it’s time for sleep. Tonight, we’re grabbing our notebooks and our favorite pens, and we’re journaling. Whether you prefer to document a stream of consciousness, practice gratitude, or goal-set is your prerogative. It’s the perfect end to a busy day and will help you turn off your mind and body sans blue light.
2. For days when three cups of coffee didn’t cut it…
Let’s be real: As much as we’d love to feel like we’re able to take on the world seven days a week, it’s not always realistic. We’re human. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, powering through that time of the month, or drained from your workday, there’s still a way to preserve your energy while setting yourself up for a better tomorrow.
One thing your future self will thank you for:
We get it, you’re exhausted. While hopes for productivity today may have flown out the window, we still have tomorrow. Sit down and create a to-do list for tomorrow so that when you’re more rested, you have a plan and can get back into the swing of things.
One thing that will nourish your mind, body, or soul:
One of our favorite, less demanding ways to nourish our mind and soul is to meditate. Meditating looks different for everyone, but if you’re new to it, start here and here. It’s the perfect activity for days when you’re feeling low energy but still interested in investing in your well-being and promoting a sense of calm and balance.
One thing to celebrate yourself:
Even on what may seem like the most insignificant days, there are aspects of your day to be grateful for. Sometimes it takes a bit of digging, but if you look closely, you might just find that good things are happening whether or not you initially notice them. Grab a notebook and write down three things you did well today and celebrate yourself. You deserve it.
One thing to wind down:
When considering low-effort ways to spend our time and wind down, reading is one of the first activities that come to mind. Pull out your longer-than-a-CVS-receipt to-read list and channel your inner bookworm. Even just six minutes of reading before bed can help reduce stress by 68% which makes it the perfect pre-sleep activity.
3. For days when you want to connect with others…
When we’re working diligently and zoom on over to our evening routines, it’s common that we find that we had little to no non-work, meaningful interactions all day. Whether it be FaceTiming a loved one, hitting up a quick happy hour with an old friend, or going on a walk with a significant other, connecting with humans is therapeutic, helps to improve self-esteem, and can foster a sense of purpose in your life.
One thing your future self will thank you for:
Call up a friend and compare your to-do lists. Again, we’re not saying that you need to get everything on your list done, but find one or two tasks that your friend may also have to do to make what might have been a lonesome chore a social hangout. Your next trip to the grocery store, the post office, or the bank just got a lot more fun.
One thing that will nourish your mind, body, or soul:
Going on a walk while catching up with an old friend is one of our favorite ways to merge our social lives and fitness. Get your steps in, chat about life, and leave feeling fulfilled. It’s a win-win situation if we’ve ever seen one.
One thing to celebrate yourself:
Hit up your work wife and engage in a happy hour toast. As much as we love celebrating with our friends and family, there’s something about toasting with someone who understands just how special even the smallest of work wins are. Grab a glass of La Marca Prosecco and your work wife and pop, clink, and cheers to celebrating all of your wins—big and small.
One thing to wind down:
When was the last time that you let your loved ones know just how special they are to you? And when was the last time that you wrote someone a handwritten letter? Get cozy, grab some stationary, and get to writing. Writing love letters to the important people in your life can instill a sense of gratitude, help you connect with your emotions, and serve as a beautiful connection point between you and those that you love.
4. For days when you want a bit of an adventure…
As much as we love being homebodies, there are days when we want to get out and about from the constraints of our humble abodes and see the world around us. In times like these, get outdoors, attempt something new, and get a bit out of your comfort zone.
One thing your future self will thank you for:
Take the guesswork out of tomorrow by laying out tomorrow’s outfit and making your lunch. Getting ready for the next day early on in your after-work routine will make you available to completely turn off work mode and focus on yourself.
One thing that will nourish your mind, body, or soul:
You’ve always wanted to try that one workout class, and today is the day. Trying a new workout like yoga, weight lifting, kickboxing, or pilates can be a great way to get yourself out of your fitness rut, excite you to move again, and activate new muscles that you didn’t even know existed.
One thing to celebrate yourself:
We don’t know who needs to hear this, but you are worthy of being wined and dined. Today, take matters into your own hands and take yourself on a date. Go to a new, fancy restaurant in your city, set up a cute beach picnic for one, hit up your local museum, or making yourself an elaborate dinner. Make the moment extra special by adding a sparkling, refreshing glass of La Marca Prosecco because, honey, you deserve it.
One thing to wind down:
Take a bath. Yes, we’re talking the whole nine yards including but not limited to a bath caddy, your favorite book, and that one face mask you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to use. You don’t need a fancy bathtub situation to have the most luxurious bath of your life. All you need is a few key items, your favorite candle, and yourself, and you’re good to go.
5. For days when you could use a little inspiration…
When work and life demands become overwhelming, it can sometimes feel like we’re automated robots, jumping from task to task and keeping our head down until we get caught up (plot twist: we never actually get caught up). On days like these, it’s easy to lose perspective on why we started and to remember why we do what we do every day. When the workday ends, put down your computer and get ready to get inspired again.
One thing your future self will thank you for:
If you ask us, a messy, disorganized home can truly cost us some inner peace. When our space is clean, we feel reenergized and reinspired. While it’s not realistic to deep clean your home every day, even taking a few minutes to tidy up can make you feel fresh and can serve as a clean slate for the rest of your evening and tomorrow.
One thing that will nourish your mind, body, or soul:
Maybe you already have a go-to hobby that you love or maybe you’re still on the hunt for one that sets your soul ablaze. Investing time in a hobby can help us to foster joy, reduce stress, and learn new skills. Whether you opt for learning a new language, playing an instrument, painting, or crafting, practicing a hobby is the perfect intentional way to spend some “me” time and can help you escape the mundane demands of life.
One thing to celebrate yourself:
When you’re keeping your head down and feeling like you’re just trying to get by, it can be easy to lose sight of how well you’re doing, what you’ve accomplished, and just how far you’ve come. Consider asking yourself this question: Where was I at this time last year? If you’re feeling even more nostalgic, go back two years, five years, and 10 years. Remember who you were, where you were at, and what you wanted, and celebrate just how far you’ve come. Your past self would be so proud of who you are today and so should your present self.
One thing to wind down:
When you’re ready to call it a day, listen to a podcast while doing your nighttime routine to help inspire you. We love these motivating podcasts for days where we’re feeling like we could use a bit of encouragement. For extra credit, journal your thoughts during and after you listen.
La Marca Prosecco is an elegant sparkling wine grown in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region. La Marca Prosecco believes in celebrating the joy in everyday moments, including the tireless work that so many women go through to make their dreams come true. A focus on career empowerment has always been part of The Everygirl’s mission, and our partnership with La Marca Prosecco has helped us take that mission into the real world with live and virtual events, small business grants, and more. Let’s raise a glass to that!
This post is sponsored by La Marca Prosecco but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl Media Group editorial board.