Switching off from work while working from home can be challenging, especially with the lines between work and personal life becoming increasingly blurred.

That is why it’s important to take breaks and give yourself time to recharge, both mentally and physically. If you struggle to unplug from your day job, here are some tips that can help you switch off and relax after a long day of work.

Do Not Disturb AKA Switch off all notifications

It’s important for colleagues to understand and respect your downtime, once you’re offline and don’t want to be pulled back into the conversation, turn your notifications off. Remember: your communication with the team (or clients) doesn’t need to be 24/7.

Inform Your Team of Your Log-Off Time

If you have a team that operates across different time zones, you may receive messages outside of regular work hours. To avoid this, send a message to your team indicating your log-off time, whether it’s through Slack or email. Letting your team know when you’re offline will help you switch off without feeling the obligation to continuously reply. By establishing this communication, you’ll be able to disconnect from work and enjoy your downtime.

Avoid the Temptation to Check Work Emails Outside of Hours

It’s easy to fall into the trap of checking work emails outside of business hours, but it’s essential to resist the urge. Your emails will still be there in the morning, and taking the time to disconnect from work can help improve your mental and emotional well-being. Communication is critical for remote work, but it’s equally important to safeguard your personal time.

Falling into the trap of reading work emails on my phone without taking action used to be a habit of mine; this then lead to wasted time and having to revisit the same tasks the next day.

Separate Your Workspace From Your Living Space

Keeping your workspace and living space separate can be beneficial when it comes to switching off from work. By sitting in a different place than where you work, you can help your brain transition from work mode to personal mode, allowing you to relax and unwind in the evening. It’s crucial to establish a clear boundary between your work and living spaces.

Take a Break and Get Some Fresh Air

Working from home can be great, but it can also mean spending long hours cooped up in the house. To help you recharge, it’s important to take breaks and get some fresh air. Go for a walk around your garden, or if you’re able, go for a daily stroll. Not only will the fresh air do wonders for your physical health, but it will also help you clear your mind and come back to work with a refreshed perspective.

Find a hobby

If you struggle to disengage from work, consider exploring new interests outside of work hours. Engage in a home workout, join a virtual book club, experiment with cooking new recipes, pick up sketching – find what activity resonates with you. Your new hobby will connect you with like-minded people and provide a much-needed break from work-related conversations. With time, you’ll find it easier to switch off from work.

Switching off from work is crucial for maintaining work-life balance and reducing stress.

By engaging in activities or hobbies that you enjoy, you can refocus your thoughts and take a break from work-related problems. This will help you feel more motivated and energized to tackle the challenges of the next workday.

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