by Daniel Dahlinger
After a long day at work, it’s essential to take some time for yourself to unwind and recharge. Here’s how I like to spend my evenings to help me relax and refocus for the next day.
Dinner with my wife
One of my favorite things to do after a demanding day is to have dinner with my wife. We catch up on each other’s day, discuss upcoming plans and simply enjoy each other’s company. It’s a great way to connect and decompress after a busy day. Usually this is done on the couch, while watching That 70’s Show, and dodging attempts from our dogs to steal a bite of our food.
Take the dogs for a walk
After dinner, I like to take our dogs for a walk. Walking outside and getting fresh air helps me to clear my mind and reduces stress. Plus, our dogs always make me smile and remind me of what’s truly important in life. If it isn’t a walk, then it’s fetch in the backyard… well, fetch with Twyla and Luka just herds. If it’s raining… then indoor fetch is the activity of choice!

Work on my passion project – the ENGRing Success Podcast
Once we’re back home, I like to spend some time working on my passion project – the ENGRing Success Podcast. This project allows me to explore my interests, share my knowledge with others, and connect with like-minded individuals. I find it’s a great way to unwind and focus on something that brings me joy. On the average night, I’ll troll through Reddit and interact with people, schedule social posts for the next day, and add to the script for the next podcast episode. On special nights, I’ll do an interview, like my latest interview with Marc LeVine of Thermosystems USA and The ABCs of Control Systems Engineering.
The Office Before Bed with Bailey Cat
Last but not least, the last bit of my day is when I get to wind down with something familiar – The Office. Watching The Office while hanging out with Maddie and our cat, Bailey, is the perfect mindless activity that allows my mind to follow it’s routine into a calm headspace, and then I’m out like a light!
By following this daily routine, I’m able to disconnect from the stresses of work, spend quality time with my loved ones, and pursue my passions. Everyone’s routine for unwinding after a demanding day will be different, but I encourage you to find what works for you and prioritize self-care. Your mind and body will thank you.
What do you do to unwind after a long day?
Listen to the latest episode of the ENGRing Success Podcast on your preferred podcast provider or embedded here!
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