Finding a Place to Decompress

Everyone needs a few minutes to decompress between the office and home. You don’t want to bring any stress from your day into your family time so finding ways to relax before you get home is helpful. Sometimes taking a few minutes to cool down during the commute mentally is enough to help you relax before getting home, but sometimes driving continues to exacerbate your stress level. Finding a place in your neighborhood or near your home where you can park and spend a few minutes decompressing before continuing home can make a big difference to your day. Create a little haven where you spend 15-20 minutes alone. Take the time to let go of any stress or anger built up at the office or to rest for a few minutes so that you have the energy to be a great parent and partner.

Each personality seeks different features in a decompression place. Do you need a quiet place where you can think, or do you prefer a loud place with TVs to distract you from thinking? Does sitting help you relax or does walking around or getting exercise help you clear your mind? Think about what you need and what type of place in your neighborhood could be your new haven.

• Coffee Shop: A coffee shop can be a great place to spend a few minutes by yourself. You can relax with a soothing cup of tea or re-energize with a cup of joe. Coffeehouses offer you the ability to be alone and have your headphones on or read a book, but they also create a space where you can meet people and have some casual conversation to take your mind off the day.
• Restaurant/bar: Finding a local spot with a happy hour might be the right choice for you. Especially if you are a sports fan, a local sports bar or café with TVs might be just the thing to help distract you for a few minutes ahead of dinner. 
• Park: After being cooped up in an office all day getting out and taking in some fresh air might be just the thing. Is there a local park or greenbelt near your home where you can go for a nice stroll on the way home? Sit on a park bench to peruse a book, watch dogs play, or stare off at a stream or water feature.
• Library: If you're a bookworm try visiting your local library on the way home. Take a little time to discover a new book or read a couple of chapters of your current book in a pleasantly quiet environment.
• Mall: If you live near a mall try walking around and window shopping by yourself. Get in a little exercise and let your mind wander as you pass the different shop windows.
• Gym: Exercising is an excellent way to decompress and get some positive endorphins flowing through your body. If you have the time to work out for even 20-30 minutes on your way home, it can make a genuine difference to your physical and emotional health and help bring you mental clarity. 

 If having a local and easily accessible place to decompress is vital to you in a neighborhood, take time to talk with your real estate agent about your needs before beginning your home search.