Stopping the Evening Bleedout
Before we get stuck in, I should probably point out that the newsletter has a ‘new’ name “Dreaming of the Office”, which is the same as my original book on which it is based.
Onward. One of the problems of working from home is that it’s easier than ever to allow work to creep into family time, and work-related stuff like laptops and printouts to end up spread out over half the living room. We need to make sure we keep control over our evenings and weekends, keep a clear distinction between work and personal/family life, and make sure our homes remain our sanctuaries, not office extensions.
Embrace the Hard Stop
Setting a firm boundary for when you finish work is essential. Whether it's 5pm, 6pm, or any other time that suits your schedule, make it a “hard stop.” Resist the urge to keep working past your chosen endpoint, and give your personal time as much respect as your professional time.
Packing Away the Workday
So 5pm has come round and the clock on your home office wall (OK, the kitchen clock…) reminds you it's time to wrap up work. One of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take to regain control over your evenings and weekends is to pack away your work gear right away. This means physically closing your laptop, tidying up your workspace, and putting away any work-related documents. It's like having a clean slate to start your personal time, and trust me, it makes a world of difference having those things out of sight and out of mind.
The “Virtual Commute”
Remember the days when we used to commute to and from the office every single day? While it might seem like a distant memory (did we actually do it 5 days a week?!), adopting a “virtual commute” can help separate work from home life. Set aside a few minutes before and after your work hours for activities that help you mentally transition from one mode to the other. Whether it's a short walk or some quiet time with a cup of tea/coffee, this ritual can help you shift gears. We’re not computers, we can’t do it in an instant.
Silence Those Notifications
Smartphones are incredible tools, but they can also be relentless distractions. Once your work hours are over, turn off work-related notifications and calls. Even better, set up your phone to do it automatically when 5pm arrives. This step is crucial in preventing work from intruding on your evenings and weekends. There are few emails that can’t wait until tomorrow.
Managing Urgent Matters
OK, there are times when work just can't wait, even in the evenings or on weekends. In those rare cases, set aside the time you need and give that a boundary as well—the focus should be on doing just enough to allow you to finish off the task more easily the next morning, when you will be fresher. Burning the midnight oil is rarely productive, or healthy.
Also establish a clear system for handling (work) emergencies. Create a list of trusted colleagues who can step in when needed, and make sure they know how to reach you in a genuine emergency. This way, you can enjoy your personal time without constant worry.
Disconnect Mentally
Stopping work physically is one thing, but detaching mentally can be a bit trickier, especially if you're passionate about your job or there’s an urgent issue on your mind. To prevent work thoughts from invading your personal time, try writing down any lingering ideas, tasks, or concerns before you ‘officially’ sign off. This helps your brain release these thoughts, knowing they're safely recorded for the next workday when you can pick them up.
By far the best way to keep your mind off work during evenings and weekends is to fill the time with other things you enjoy doing. Whether it's a hobby, spending time with family and friends, or simply relaxing with a good book or film, make sure you have things other than work that engage you and make you feel good. All these things are great on their own of course, but they also act as natural distractions from work-related thoughts.
Lastly, be present in the moment as much as possible outside of work. When you're with your family or friends, focus on them entirely. Put away your devices, be an active listener, and engage fully in the conversation or activity at hand. Banish thoughts of work, even if they are fun to think about! By immersing yourself in the present, you'll find it easier to keep work at bay during that all too precious free time.