November 02, 2023
In today's increasingly connected world, it can be a hard to switch off from work at the end of the day. But finding a balance between work and your personal life is important for your mental well-being. Here are some tips on how to successfully unplug at the end of the workday.
The key to unplugging is being able to establish a boundary between your work time and your personal time. To do this, set a quitting time for your workday and do your best to stick with it.
Determine which tasks need to be finished before the end of the workday, and which ones can wait until tomorrow. Try to remember that there will almost always be more work to do, so unless you’re up against a critical deadline, it can probably wait until your next shift. If you’re concerned you might forget to complete a task the following day, make a list of what still needs to be done and place the reminder somewhere that you’ll be sure to see it.
Before your workday ends, clean up your desk, close any open browser tabs, and create a priority list for the following workday. Ending your workday with a closing ritual is a great way to mark the transition from being on your employer’s time to yours. This tip is particularly important if you work from home, where the lines between your job and home life can become easily blurred.
You may want to consider using separate devices for work tasks than you do for your personal life. Of course, this strategy is only cost-effective if your employer supplies you with a computer and mobile phone.
If you use the same devices for work and personal tasks, consider logging out of any work-related email accounts or applications so it’s not so easy to access them during off-hours. Turning off work-related notifications can also be helpful. That way, you’re not constantly being reminded of work-related email chains or chat groups you could check in on.
The best way to successfully unplug is to embrace other interests and activities outside of work. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, walking a few miles, or catching up on your favorite TV show, disconnecting from work and spending time focusing on the things you enjoy will provide you with a mental break.
In a world where staying connected to work is easier than ever, finding ways to unplug is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Implementing these tips into your daily routine can help make this task a little easier.
