After a long day of juggling meetings, emails, and the occasional tech emergency, there’s one thing I’ve realized: switching off work mode isn’t as easy as closing a laptop. My brain doesn’t come with a power button, and for years I found myself dragging the stress of the day into my evenings with the family.
I knew I needed a change. Not something big or complicated—just a chill routine that could help me reset. It started small, with simple habits, and has since turned into a go-to formula that keeps me balanced without needing to leave the house.
Screens Aren’t the Enemy—It’s How You Use Them
For a while, I thought unplugging meant cutting out all screens. But let’s be real—screens aren’t the issue. The problem is how we use them. Once I stopped doom-scrolling news apps or checking emails out of habit, I started leaning into screens as a tool for relaxation.
One of my favorite low-effort ways to unwind is hopping onto a casual game like Joker’s Jewels. It doesn’t require a huge time investment or intense focus, which is exactly what I need when I’m winding down. It’s visually fun, easy to pick up, and offers a quick mental break before I switch over to family time or just chilling on the couch.
Building a Routine That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
I used to think I needed a full checklist for an effective evening routine—some mix of yoga, journaling, meditating, or reading a self-help book. And while those are great for some people, I found that the more “structured” my downtime became, the less relaxed I felt. So I stripped it down.
Here’s what my weeknight routine looks like now:
- Wrap up work at a set time, no exceptions. I silence notifications and shut my office door. Even if my work isn’t technically done, my day is.
- Ten-minute brain reset. This might be a quick game, a walk outside, or simply sitting in silence. It sounds minor, but that pause gives my brain permission to shift gears.
- Snack and screen time. Sometimes it’s streaming a show, sometimes it’s casual gaming. The goal is no pressure and no commitment.
- Lights-down wind-down. Around 9 p.m., I dim the lights, put my phone on do-not-disturb, and listen to music or ambient sound until I naturally start feeling sleepy.
Small Joys Make a Big Difference
There’s something underrated about small, repeatable joys. The familiar sound of your favorite show’s opening music, the quiet click of a controller, or the satisfying rhythm of a casual game that doesn’t ask much from you—these things matter.
And as it turns out, science backs that up. According to the Cleveland Clinic, simple stress-relieving habits like playing games or listening to music can reduce tension and improve your mood significantly. You don’t need a complete life overhaul—just 15–30 minutes of doing something light and enjoyable.
From Hustle to Harmony
As a dad, I’m used to keeping all the plates spinning—school pickups, meals, work obligations, and random household repairs. But I’ve learned that constantly staying “on” isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a one-way ticket to burnout. My new routine isn’t fancy or Instagram-worthy, but it works.
Whether I’m spending ten minutes in a game like Joker’s Jewels or just zoning out with a snack in hand, I’m giving myself space to breathe. And when I take that time, I show up more present, more patient, and (bonus) way less cranky around the kids.
Unplugging doesn’t mean disconnecting completely—it just means finding your version of peace and making it part of your day. Even if it’s only for a few quiet minutes.
