The Best Ways to Relax after a Night Shift

It’s no secret that shift work can be stressful and tiring. That’s true if you’re a nurse, a hospitality worker, or anyone else who works nights. Shift work can mess with your body’s circadian rhythms. Taking care of yourself is vital. That’s why we’ve assembled this guide to the best ways to relax after a night shift.

Everybody knows that getting adequate sleep is critical for night shift workers. We go beyond that to highlight some unique ways to relax and promote health following your night shift. These include exercising, going to the spa, and practicing self-care. However, if these options are not available to you, consider other activities such as reading, listening to music, or taking a relaxing bath. We also highlight the best places in Denver for post-shift relaxation.

Watch the Sunrise

If you’ve been up all night, you might as well treat it as an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunrise. Take a few minutes to peacefully enjoy the twilight period as the world brightens around you. In Denver, the sun rises as late as 7:21 AM in January and as early as 5:31 AM in June. That means the sunrise will align with the end of your shift during at least part of the year.

Taking in the sunrise doesn’t need to be a big ordeal. It can be as simple as spending a few extra minutes looking out from your home. Depending on where you work, you might be near a park, which can add the extra benefit of being in nature to your sunrise watching. City Park and Sand Creek Park are both conveniently located near major hospitals. That makes them ideal spots for many doctors, nurses, and other staff to stop by after your shift.

Spend Some Time Outside

Getting a little fresh air can be an excellent way to relax and reset after a night at work. Reading a book for half an hour on a park bench can do wonders for you. Sitting on your porch or balcony at home can be similarly refreshing.

Depending on your neighborhood and the weather, taking a little stroll around the block may help you decompress following your shift. A small change of scenery can help you put work behind you and prepare you for what’s next, whether that’s sleep or other activities.

Go Out for Breakfast

Grabbing a meal after working all night is a classic way to unwind. Depending on your preference, you may be looking for dinner, breakfast, or a tasty meal. Getting traditional dinner fare early in the morning can be tricky at many restaurants, though many breakfast places serve lunch food in the morning. But if you’re a breakfast fanatic, you’re in luck.

Denver is home to a variety of early morning eateries that cater to night shift workers. Four Friends Kitchen, serving contemporary American takes on Southern classics, opens at 6:30 AM every day. Fox and the Hen, a breakfast and brunch spot, opens at 7:00 AM daily. Onefold, with a menu built on locally-sourced and organic ingredients, opens at 7:00 AM weekdays. And for those who prefer a later start, Fox Run Café serves breakfast and brunch starting at 8:00 AM. These local spots make it easy for you to enjoy a satisfying meal after your shift, without the stress of meal planning.

Do Some Light Exercise

Exercising after a night shift can help you transition to the next phase of your day. Many people find that doing light exercise before bed helps them sleep better. This can take on many forms depending on the season and your preferred exercise routine. Early morning yoga in the park can help you to calm your mind and exercise at the same time. Others may find that going to the gym after work is a better solution. Find a routine that works best for you.

Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

Let the stress of the workday melt away at Oakwell Beer Spa. Oakwell is an award-winning day spa that offers beer-inspired spa services. They open at 8:00 AM every day, so it’s an ideal place to go after work. Their Beer Therapy Ritual package is ideal for friends and individuals who want to unwind peacefully. Their signature service is Beer Bath Hydrotherapy. Relax in a hydrotherapy tub filled with a mix of hops, barley, and herbs. Each Beer Therapy room includes an infrared sauna, a cedar hydrotherapy tub, and a rain shower stocked with beer-infused products from Oakwell Cosmetics. They also have a zero gravity massage experience if you need a quick, drop-in massage.

Oakwell has a self-service taproom where you can try a selection of beverages including kombucha, CBD sparkling water, juices, and N/A beer. They also serve craft beers, wine, and cider. Each month they partner with a different local brewery and have five of their best beers on tap. Going to the spa after work is an ideal way to rejuvenate and refresh after a demanding shift.

Practice Self-Care

Working the night shift isn’t always easy on your body and your mind. That’s why practicing self-care is especially important for those who work the late shift. Self-care is about more than ensuring you’re sleeping enough, which is important. It’s about taking care of yourself in a holistic manner. Some of this can start during your shift. Try to limit caffeine consumption, especially later in your shift. Prioritize high-quality, nutrient-rich food at work. That might mean putting a little extra effort into prepping food before work. The better you take care of yourself during work, the better place you’re in when you leave.

Going to the spa is great for self-care. Thankfully, you can get many of these same benefits at home by using a few relaxing products on a regular basis. Creating a post-work self-care routine can be a great way to relax after each night shift.

Conclusion: Best Ways to Relax after a Night Shift

Working the night shift has some unique challenges. It can be hard to try to relax when the rest of the world is only getting ready to start their day. We hope some of these ideas will help you to build a more relaxing post-work routine. We also hope it inspires you to try fun new activities promoting relaxation.