Creating Boundaries between Work and Home
Let Go of the Work Day and Make Your Evenings More Joyful
Creating boundaries with work from your home life has become difficult. Prior to the pandemic we always felt the need to check in when we were home. Now many of us are working at home and the lines are blurred resulting in burnout. Do you feel like you’ve been taking the office home with you each night? It’s easy to fall into that pattern, but you have the power to turn it around. Discover practices that will clear your mind and release the pressures that build up during your work day.
Practices to Do at the Office
Wind down.
Spend the final moments at work generating some peace of mind. Consciously slow down your pace. Put aside some tasks to complete the next day.
Update your to do list. It’s easier to relax when you’re well organized. Have your major tasks and priorities waiting for you in the morning.
Tidy up your space. A clean desk reduces distractions and worries. Designate a file or bin for unfinished projects. Sort papers into neat piles. Return books back to their shelves.
Look for patterns.
If the same thing keeps nagging at you, resolve to fix the issue once and for all. For example, agree on a temperature everyone can tolerate and set the thermostat there for good.
Laugh more. Humor always lightens the mood. Share a joke with a coworker. Imagine telling your family about funny stories from work.
Breathe better. Your busiest days become easier when you breathe correctly. Lower your shoulders and press them back gently. Your chest will rise and open. Inhale deeply from your diaphragm and exhale slowly.
Rest your eyes. Take a break from your computer screen at least once an hour. Alternate between looking at an object close up and in the distance.
Stretch your muscles. Practice inconspicuous yoga poses you can do sitting down or standing by your desk. Go outside for a walk.
Share the good feelings. Wish your colleagues a wonderful evening. Thank at least one person a day who showed you a little extra kindness. Compliment someone for doing a great job.
Practices to Do Outside of the Office
Take time for greetings. Pet your dog and hug your family members as soon as you walk through the door. If you live alone, call or text a friend.
Give yourself a treat. Arrange a special outing or event to look forward to. Watch a movie or schedule a manicure. Take the scenic route home.
Lessen or adjust aspects of your commute. In some parts of the country, getting to work can feel like a job in itself. Look for ways to reduce the stress. Pick up audio books to listen to in your car. Consult an app for your phone that will tell when your bus is coming.
Jot things down. While you are taking a shower or giving the dog a bath, you may remember that an important report is due next week. As soon as you’re free, write it down or put a reminder in your phone. Then you can forget about it until you’re back at work.
Exercise regularly. Appreciate the connection between your body and mind. Physical activity contributes to mental fitness. You’ll be more resilient in dealing with the demands of work when you exercise regularly.
Be Mindful while Creating Boundaries
Creating boundaries will help you become mindful. Maintain good sleep habits. Go to bed and get up at the same times even on weekends. Take a warm bath before bed if it helps you fall asleep. Proper rest will get you in shape for work and play.
Change your focus. Be present in the moment. Give your loved ones and your home your full attention. Savor precious moments like reading bedtime stories to your kids or watching the rain fall outside your kitchen window.
Mindful living enables you to make a smoother transition from work to home. You’ll be happier and more productive in both settings, and you’ll enjoy your evenings much more.
