We hate to admit it, but nearly all of us take work home with us, it can be hard to just pack up and the end of the day and leave everything at the office. Whether we literally take home things to do after leaving work, or mentally take work problems home, it happens. Unless your job requires it—leave work stress in the office!
If we can’t find a way to transition the brain from work-mode to relax-mode, our thoughts can consume our mind until we finally pass out in bed at night.
One of the best ways to transition yourself out of work-mode is to establish a mindful shutdown ritual that you perform before leaving work. There are no specific rules to follow; just do whatever you need to do in order to leave the worries of work behind simply be present.
Try to include small tasks that will help wrap up anything you have yet to finish, or plan for the big day you have tomorrow. What you include in your ritual will vary depending on your job and how you tend to relax, just remember to keep it consistent.
By keeping your power-down routine consistent every day you mind will learn that it’s time to make that adjustment to home-mode and prepare to let your stress and worries go.
Think about including some of these in your daily routine:
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Backup your important computer files
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Clean and organize your workspace
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Put together a list of to-dos for tomorrow
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Review any appointments you have coming up
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Check out what’s in store on your personal schedule
You can even carry your routine over to home. When you arrive home change out of your work clothes, especially if you job requires a suit. Take a shower or head to the gym to clear your head—again, whatever works for you!
You can improve your shutdown ritual with Spire, monitor your breathing and relaxation throughout your routine until your calm and relaxed.
Do you have an after-work routine? What helps you shutdown and feel relaxed enough to enjoy the evening?