The Mid Life Dating Files 2025

How do you unwind after a demanding day?

How I Unwind After a Demanding Day (or…Honestly, Any Day Ending in “Y”)

Let’s just go ahead and clear something up: I don’t need a demanding day to unwind. But if I do have one? Oh, I’m unwinding like it’s an Olympic sport and I’m going for gold.

Picture this: the day has tested me. My patience is hanging by a thread. My brain has officially clocked out before my body. And what do I do?

I march straight into my kitchen like a woman on a mission and declare, “Tonight…we mix.”

And I don’t mean a sad little splash of something in a glass. No ma’am. I’m talking about a proper drink. A Smokey Pecan Manhattan if I’m feeling fancy and mysterious. A bold glass of red if I’m channeling my inner vineyard owner. A spicy margarita if I need a little attitude adjustment. Or a good craft beer when I just want something cold and honest.

Because sometimes therapy is expensive… and sometimes it comes in a glass with a salted rim.

Now here’s where things really escalate.

Once that drink is in hand, the kitchen becomes my stage. Music? Blasting. Volume? Questionable. Talent level? Confidently enthusiastic.

Suddenly, I’m not just cooking—I’m performing. Full concert mode. We’re talking dramatic stirring, backup vocals from the spatula, and at least one song where I’m convinced I should’ve gone on tour instead of whatever I did that day.

This is also when “Spirit Water” might make an appearance… and by that, I mean that second drink that whispers, “You sound amazing—keep going.”

If I’m feeling extra peaceful (or if the neighbors deserve a break), I’ll take my drink outside—by the pool or the fire pit—and just be still for a minute. No emails. No responsibilities. Just quiet, a good drink, and the sweet sound of not having to answer anyone.

But let’s not pretend this ritual is reserved for hard days only.

Because some of my absolute favorite unwinding moments involve heading out for Mexican food and margaritas with The Rents or my best friend Terry. It’s not just dinner—it’s a tradition. Chips, salsa, laughter, and at least one “We probably shouldn’t… but we’re going to anyway” round of margaritas.

It’s therapy. It’s bonding. It’s possibly a little loud.

So whether I’m in my kitchen putting on a one-woman concert, sitting by the fire pit with a quiet drink, or clinking glasses over tacos and margs, unwinding isn’t just something I do…

It’s an experience.

And honestly? I highly recommend it.

Cheers to surviving the day—and celebrating it too. 🍸🍺🍷🥃🎤🎶