What do you do to 'relax' after an intense day of firefighting?

Question

I spent my Saturday on some intense software firefighting that started at 6AM in the morning, till about 5 in the evening. This obviously left me utterly exhausted at the end of the day. It's next day, I have had sleep, yet I still feel somewhat mentally spent.I normally start my day with a book. But today I find myself not engaging with it at all. This usually happens after intense days.Human brain is going to think, whether intentionally or not. At this point, I don't want my brain to work whatsoever. I want it to relax.What do you do in these situations?How do you 'wind-down', so to speak?What are some things I can do to make my brain not work too much for some hours?I have tried meditation, but I feel it only works for me when things are relatively quiet. Today I might end up racing my mind through thoughts. I cannot just go back to sleep either, due to similar reasons.

lgreiv · Accepted Answer

I know those days very well from my job. I recently picked up playing Ukulele and found that the combination of focus and learning something completely new (mentally and motorically) in a calming setting (in a hammock in the garden) occupied my brain in just the right way to soothe the perceived need for mental activity while being relaxing at the same time. Binging series and/or social media faded the mind race into the background but was not helping me in regaining stamina. Reading books usually just changes the content of my racing thoughts when I am 'in the mode'.

bravetraveler · Answer

I'm fortunate enough to be in an organization where I could easy call out and regain some balance.
I get a lot of closure from expressing "I had to overshoot, give me time to address"
For an encounter as heavy as this one, I'd probably take Monday and maybe even Tuesday off.
Mind you, I end up doing a lot of the same things... My work is also a hobby. I'll keep a much slower pace, probably watch a lot of TV, or anything else I'd normally do in my time off
Thankfully this pattern ended for me before it got too bad. I'd consider shopping around if this is a regular occurrence

garyware1299 · Answer

For me, the best unloading is sport. It is important for me after a busy or hard working day to go in for sports. It could even be a home workout from https://bestbodyworkout.com/how-to-lose-chest-fat/ . The main thing is to move at least a little and unload the brain

marssaxman · Answer

> What do you do in these situations?Leave that job and go find a different position, with a competent manager.What you are describing is not a sustainable way to live.

tragictrash · Answer

Go get a medical cannabis card. If available in your state, telling a doctor your symptoms after a stressful day will probably qualify you.Don't smoke it, use eddibles.

What do you do to 'relax' after an intense day of firefighting?

For me, the best unloading is sport. It is important for me after a busy or hard working day to go in for sports. It could even be a home workout from https://bestbodyworkout.com/how-to-lose-chest-fat/ . The main thing is to move at least a little and unload the brain

> What do you do in these situations?
Leave that job and go find a different position, with a competent manager.
What you are describing is not a sustainable way to live.

Go get a medical cannabis card. If available in your state, telling a doctor your symptoms after a stressful day will probably qualify you.
Don't smoke it, use eddibles.