How to unplug after a day working from home
We are living in the digital age which makes disconnecting difficult as channels of communication are always on. When working from an office there is that physical separation between professional and personal life, which makes ‘switching off’ easier.
With the majority of workplaces now working from home, it is more difficult to unplug at the end of the workday. Here are our tips to detach from work after office hours:
1. Create a ‘shutdown ritual’
At the end of your workday it is important to create a ‘shutdown ritual’ so you can leave work at the ‘office’, even though your office may be at home. It is important to replace and simulate your commute, which is a built-in shutdown ritual. For example, go for a walk, change out of your ‘work’ clothes or have a regular dinner time.
2. Don’t respond to non-critical emails after hours
Feeling the pressure to always be available to answer emails after hours is common, but it is not good practice. To help you disconnect, make a habit of not checking work emails in the evening. This will allow you to destress, recharge and feel fresh for the next day.
3. Remove your work from view
The 'out of sight, out of mind' theory is a great way to disconnect from your workday. If you see your briefcase or laptop around the house, you may automatically think about the work you need to do. Simply hiding work related items can prevent that work to-do list trigger. Make sure that your dedicated workspace is clean and clear at the end of the day, with your laptop packed away.
4. Accept your limits
Some days there aren’t enough hours to achieve everything on your to-do list. It is important to accept this and not put pressure on yourself to get everything done in a day. Prioritise urgent tasks and push your other tasks to the following day. There will always be something else that needs to be tackled so, at the end of the workday, write your new to-do list for the following day. It will stop you creating mental lists of the work you need to complete.
Unplugging after your workday is the key to a healthy work-life balance. Set boundaries, don't overcommit and enjoy your downtime. After some practice, you will be able to unwind after work and get the most out of working from home.
Visit the career advice section of our website for more tips to help you in your career.
Related content
View AllGlobal mega-trends such as globalisation and digitisation have raised the speed, scale and interconnectedness with which our world operates. Organisations today require a new breed of leaders to tackle these complexities. We take a look at 4 key traits a 21st century leader should ideally possess. L
Read MoreApplication engineers are integral in helping manufacturers adapt their existing technologies into products that are usable and relevant for local markets. In the automotive sector, these professionals typically work for foreign suppliers that create and sell products to original equipment manufactu
Read MoreDreading another dull day in the office? If you’ve lost your passion for work, it could be time to make a break. Find a job you love by asking yourself these six essential questions… What do you actually like about work? When trying to figure out your dream job, it can be tempting to do just that: c
Read More