5 Ways to Disconnect from Work
Do you ever feel relief when your work day is done? Maybe it’s when the clock hits a specific time or when that last thing on your to do list is crossed off. It is when you can transition from work life to personal time, but that isn’t always an easy transition.
No matter how you commute, work from home or do shift work, here are five strategies you can use to train your brain and body to know it is time to shift out of work mode.
Inventory. One great way to stop thinking about your day is to reflect on how you felt the day went. Identify what you liked, didn’t like, what went well, or didn’t. This can be a clear time for you to shift through all of these thoughts, evaluations, and worries before you get to your front door. If you find these thoughts spiral, try picturing placing them in a cabinet or chest and mentally locking them up. Sometimes it can even be helpful to remind yourself you’re not being paid for your worry time!
Snack. The time from lunch to dinner can be long and this is often a time of day many emotional eaters find they start to reach for food and feel like they can’t stop. By intentionally planning a snack, something you look forward to, you can give yourself some pleasure and combat the afternoon hunger. Trying to knuckle through until dinner is a recipe for overeating at dinner or more late-night snacking.
Breathe. Work days are hectic and you might not even be aware of how quickly you move through tasks, meetings, and emails. Tuning in to your breathing and slowing it down is a great way to bring some calm to your nervous system! Try focussing on getting in deeper breaths, down into your belly not just at chest level. Another tactic: make your exhales longer than your inhales.
Listen. A specific song, playlist, or podcast can be a wonderful auditory cue that you’re back on your time! Listen to something that makes you smile or is of interest to you (and isn’t a work topic) like a podcast on baking, a new book review, or the latest celebrity gossip.
Move. This is a good one that you can tailor to your needs. If you find your body stiff after seven hours at a desk, find some movement that makes more use of your body. If you have a pretty physical job, you might want something that stretches and soothes your muscles. There is no wrong answer!
💛 Your peace awaits.
