GNT #025: How to switch off from work

Read time: 2.5 minutes

 
Do you find yourself continuously thinking about work, checking in, and struggle to unwind after hours?

I’ve been there.

My work can consume me. I can't get it out of my head: opportunities, hurdles, conversations that need to happen.

As someone who wears multiple hats - consultant, entrepreneur, volunteer, creator - it’s easy to let the work creep into personal life.

But, we all need to draw the line, for our well-being, and to make an impact long-term.

Whereas my work used to consume me 24 hours a day, now it only consumes me for the hours I choose. 

And that's because I found a secret formula to let work go when I'm not working.

Recently, I came across Laura Vanderkam, a time management expert, and Eric Partaker, a CEO coach.

Today, we'll explore my 3-part system for how to switch off from work.

Here's the secret formula you've been looking for.

#1 - The Digital Detox

How many times have you caught yourself checking emails or responding to work messages late into the night without even realizing it?

The consequence?

Your brain remains wired and struggles to shift into relax mode.

Let's start here with a clean up, a digital detox, to set ourselves up for success.

Here’s how:

• Set "Do Not Disturb" mode on your phone to start when you want to be done working (no notifications)
• Let the people you work with know to text if something is urgent
• Uninstall work-related apps from your phone if possible
• Commit to not using any work-related digital platforms after your fixed time unless an emergency arises

This can be done one time when you are ready to implement the system. Set a calendar invite quarterly to reassess and re-detox if necessary.

#2 - Shutdown Meeting

I talk about this one a lot, but it's been a godsend for me.

I used to crazy work till the last possible second and bolt to pick up my kids or run to evening activities.

It always left me feeling stressed out and I'd be thinking about work all evening.

But with my shutdown meeting, there's a better separation between work ending and personal life beginning.

I finish up my work day less stressed and more organized about what I need to do the next day.

How to implement:

• Schedule a calendar invite with yourself 30 minutes before you'd like to end your work day, titled: "Shutdown".
• In the meeting description, paste these items (+ any other tasks that would help you close out your day):
  • Final email review
  • Update to-do list and order of priority
  • Review next day calendar
  • Choose top three objectives for next day
  • Make sure those objectives are timeblocked on your calendar
• Close all tabs, and restart your computer
• Say out loud, "I've done my best today," or any other finishing mantra you prefer. It may sound like voodoo, but it really helps to verbalize that you are finished

#3 - Transition Ritual

We've detoxed. We've shutdown.

Now we need a buffer between work and personal.

Here’s where a transition ritual comes in.

It’s a small activity that signals to your brain that work has ended, and it’s time to shift gears.

How to implement:

• Choose an activity that relaxes you (short walk is fantastic, reading, listening to your favorite podcast)
• Schedule it right after your shutdown meeting (make it a non-negotiable part of your routine)
• Don't watch TV or any screens
  
  

Takeaways

If you're wondering deep down if you have permission to do this.

You do.

You deserve to have personal time away from work that is not consumed by work. 

And your work output will be even better and more focused.

Try it out.

Make it your own.

Like me, you may have wished you found something like this sooner. 

1. Digital Detox
2. Shutdown Meeting
3. Transition Ritual

Let me know it goes. I love hearing from you.

See you next week!

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:


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