Coming home after a long day's work is, needless to say, a relief. You have time to rest, or maybe to get on with some unfinished business but there are little things we do when we get home that can help make our days better or worse. Here are some good habits, but also those that you should stop doing when you enter your home.
Good habits
1. Take off your shoes
Seems obvious, doesn’t it? It’s not just a question of comfort, but of hygiene and health too: have you thought about the number of bacteria and microorganisms that our footwear picks up throughout the day? Removing your shoes will make your home cleaner and less contaminated.
2. Use good, indirect lighting
When you get home, especially at night, you feel that your eyes need a break. Your best bet is weaker lights and indirect lighting points, not common white lights which are excessively strong. No one’s saying you have to live in the shade like a vampire, but just adapt and prepare your eyes for rest.
3. Put on some music
It doesn’t matter what style it is because everyone has their own favourites. Music can be a good way to relax, bringing more joy and liveliness to the house – are you going to waste that opportunity to balance your energies?
4. Light some candles
Who said candles are only good for romantic occasions or when there’s a blackout? Every now and then, try to remember to light a candle when you get home. Thinking about that decorative candle that you bought ages ago and that’s still sitting there in the corner of the room? Go light it! Candles make spaces in the home more welcoming.
5. Switch your phone off
We know it's hard, but at least give yourself the luxury of living an hour without a mobile phone when you get home. Your eyes will thank you for the respite from having to look at a screen all day long. Experts say that the time we spend surfing the Internet is inversely proportional to the time we spend doing something useful.
Bad habits
1. Empty your pockets everywhere
It’s tempting to come home and "clear" everything out of your pockets – wallet, keys, cards, money and documents – but it’s not worth it. Ideally, you shouldn’t spread everything around the house because then you don't have to waste your time the next day looking for it all again. A piece of furniture to store all these bits and bobs can be a good solution.
2. Leave your jacket any old where
Why leave your coat on a chair, when you can leave it directly in the closet, on the hanger or wherever it is it normally goes? Our goal when we get home is to chill out, and if our field of vision is full of stuff like this strewn around, it’s much harder to relax.
3. Bring work home
Do your best to leave work and other problems outside the door. Try to forget it and not drag the duties and drudgeries of work into the home. Our brains need to rest.
4. Leave the shopping lying around
If you decide to stop by the supermarket before going home, remember to put each product in its proper place when you get in. It can be difficult because all you want to do is sit down for five minutes but trust us… you'll like not having to do it later and, besides, it will help you prepare meals.
5. Switch on the telly
No, we don't think television is the devil's invention. But we believe that the habit of turning it on immediately after arriving home may not be the most appropriate. There are other ways to relax: music, meditation, cooking or conversation. Give your brain time to think and rest, so that it’s not constantly receiving information.
From the original Spanish article: Buenas (y malas) COSTUMBRES cuando llegas a casa (AD Spain)
Autumn in Portugal: 8 best places to visit in November 2025
With fewer tourists, more affordable prices, and landscapes painted in warm autumnal tones, November is one of the calmest months for travelling in Portugal. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break, a nature escape, or a culturally rich city to explore without queues, this is the ideal time to go.
Portugal crowned Europe’s top tourist destination once again
Portugal has once again dazzled at the European edition of the World Travel Awards, claiming the title of Europe’s Best Destination – an accolade that reinforces the country’s standing as a global tourism powerhouse.
Turismo do Algarve (Algarve Tourism) boosts promotion in the North American market
Turismo do Algarve (Algarve Tourism) is returning to the Americas to strengthen the promotion of Portugal’s southernmost destination among Canadian and US markets. Following visits in early October to the Bahamas and Las Vegas to attend the luxury and business tourism fairs ILTM North America and IMEX America, Algarve Tourism is back in the Americas for further sector events.
Neurodivergent-friendly homes: what should they be like?
The term neurodivergence is increasingly entering everyday conversation, yet it is still often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes. It describes people whose brains process, learn, or interact differently from what is considered “typical”.
6 must-visit hot springs and thermal spas in Portugal
Portugal is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture—but did you know it’s also home to some of Europe’s best hot springs and thermal spas? From the lush green mountains of the north to the sunny Algarve coast in the south, Portugal offers rejuvenating wellness escapes for every traveller.
Turn of the Tide Season 2: the real story of Portugal's "cocaine island"
Netflix’s crime drama Turn of the Tide is back with Season 2, revisiting the Azorean fishing town of Rabo de Peixe on São Miguel. The story is inspired by a real 2001 incident involving a lost cocaine shipment off the island.
10 Portuguese desserts you haven't tried: beyond the custard tart
Beyond pastéis de nata, Portugal hides a world of convent sweets and regional bakes shaped by egg yolks, cinnamon, almonds, and even carob. Try ten lesser‑known Portuguese desserts, with quirks, where to find them, and insider tips that help you order like a local.