You’re enjoying some much-needed time off, and just as you start to relax, work pops into your head.
Does that sound familiar?
Being stuck in work-mode is a huge problem for so many business owners. Myself included. In fact, it was so bad, even my dreams were about work!
Any email notification immediately had me reaching for my phone. Every book I read was business-themed. I would even steer conversations towards a work-related idea I was cooking up.
I knew something had to change. Work was starting to seep into every part of my life.
I had to find a way to leave work behind when it was time to go home. So, I started sticking to a set of rules that helped me to break the pattern.
- Set a stop time and stick to it.
Commit to stopping work as soon as the clock reaches stop time. If that’s 5 pm or 2 am, make sure that you stay consistent. I switch off as soon as the clock reaches 6 pm. I made a promise to myself not to think about work until I was back in the office. - Put your smartphone down.
While smartphones are invaluable for keeping you connected, they can keep you too connected. Make sure your email notifications are switched off when you’re not working. It’s too easy to grab your phone when you hear or see a notification. I made a habit of leaving my phone in another room while I relaxed. - Resist the urge to ‘quickly’ check your emails.
It might seem fine just to have a quick glance at your emails. However, each time you do it, you’re forming a habit. Resist the itch to pick up your phone or open your laptop. - Find a new hobby to get lost in.
Do you have an interest that’s been left on the shelf? Think of something you wish you could try and make time to pursue that. I’ve always wanted to explore photography, but instead of picking up my camera, I would end up checking my emails.Now I spend a few hours each week improving my photography skills, and it feels great. When I’m out taking pictures, work is the furthest thing from my mind. (Btw, it's been a while since I last time updated my Instagram) - Remember your priorities.
When you can’t break out of work mode, it starts to tamper with the important things in your life. Make a list of your priorities, i.e I want to spend more time with my family. I want to focus on my health. Focus on your priorities the next time you start letting your mind drift to work.
Now, imagine going home, relaxing, and knowing you don’t need to give work a second thought until tomorrow.
How do you switch off?
