Sometimes the work week can feel so mundane that we get into a monotonous pattern; go to work or class, make dinner, watch TV, go to bed. Repeat. We want to help get you (and ourselves) out of that routine.

We understand the exhaustion and hectic schedule that comes with working full time or being a full time student. Week nights can tend to feel like there isn't much time to relax in between the commute home, making dinner, preparing for tomorrow, and getting enough sleep. Within that window of time, most of us tend to gravitate towards Netflix because it's a good way to unwind and it's easy. However, if you're feeling a lack of motivation and productivity in your week nights, we recommend putting Netflix on hold...at least for a few nights out of the week.

We've come up with five ways to relax without watching Netflix. 

1. Take a Hot Bath 

Taking a long, relaxing bath, especially in the winter, is the perfect cure to any Monday (or Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) blues. Go all out with candles, a magazine, your favorite playlist, a glass of wine, and soothing, fragrant bath salts. 

Let us help you out for the perfect bath:

2. Settle into a Good Book with Some Tea

At one point or another, we have all said we are meaning to read more. So why not put that into action. Settle down with a cup of green tea full of antioxidants and relax your mind and body. It doesn't have to be a novel that is overwhelming to finish. There's short stories, poetry, self help books, autobiographies of your favorite icons, etc.--anything that you want to learn more about.

Book recommendations: Emma by Jane Austen, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur, The Gospel According to Cocoa Chanel by Karen Karbo, Bossypants by Tina Fey

3. Call an Old Friend

When was the last time you actually sat down to have a phone call that lasted more than five minutes? In the age of texting, catching up on the phone has become less and less popular, but it can be very rewarding. When we don't have time during the week to socialize as much as we do on the weekends, it is important to still connect with others. Picking up the phone and calling a friend is a great way to do this as you'll get to hear stories and more in depth details of their life.

4. Journal

The worst thing about TV is that it wastes a lot of time. Spending time with a journal and self reflecting can be healthy and beneficial to you in the future. Keeping a journal is one of the best things you can do for yourself as it is a log of your life and how you felt at certain times and stages. One day, you'll want to look back and remember the specifics. It also allows you to clear your mind and get your thoughts out on paper, helping you in the present as well.

5. Meditate/Do Yoga

Yoga is a great way to unwind as it helps both body and mind. It can be as simple as doing a few stretches and meditations before bed to get you into a relaxed and tired state for sleep. It can also be beneficial if you routinely practice and allow your body to strengthen itself.    

We hope these ideas have inspired you to find ways to relax during the week.