In an increasingly technological world, it can be hard to disconnect. The result can mean that you overwork, your performance decreases, and eventually burn out, which is terrible for your body and mind. The worst part is that you may not even realize that you have an issue until it is too late.
We are here to help! In this guide, we will tell you a bit about why disconnecting from the office is so important and how you can effectively separate yourself from work for your own mental well-being.
The Importance Of Disconnecting
While having a job is important to bring money into the household, it’s important to remember that if you routinely go beyond your eight hours a day, or are dealing with a toxic work environment, then eventually you risk the chance of experiencing burnout. There are many ways to describe burnout, but essentially it is a type of work-related stress where you may begin to have feelings of fatigue, irritability, and if left unchecked, these mental issues could lead to physical ailments, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and can even negatively impact your skin.
Even worse is the effect that burnout can have on your personal relationships. If you leave work every day irritated and angry, those feelings could spill over into your family life, and the issue will only escalate from there. You need to have an effective work-life balance so you can remain level-headed and always remember what is most important in life.
The first step to disconnecting from the office is learning how to say no. Again, it is okay to work overtime on occasion, but if you are tired from work or you have a prior commitment with family and friends, and you don’t want to cancel, then it is okay to tell your boss that you cannot stay. This is an important first step to take, and it could be the key to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
How To Disconnect
There are many ways that you can disconnect both during the workday and after hours. While you are at work, make sure to take advantage of the two breaks and lunch that are provided. Make the most out of this time and try to clear your mind by either taking a walk through the park, practicing meditation, or just sitting outside in the fresh air. Then, you can return to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next assignment.
Once it comes time to leave work, you need to do your best to completely shut off that part of your brain. Turn off your computer, leave the work phone on the desk, and don’t respond to any work messages during your off-time. Then, go spend some time with your family or do things that you enjoy.
It is also important that you do not pull all-nighters and instead ensure that you get your seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If you don’t get the rest that you need, you will likely wake up the next day tired and unfocused, and that can carry over into work. You can even take power naps of about 15 minutes during your work breaks to really rejuvenate the soul.
Literally Get Away From Work
Sometimes, when we say get away from work, we really mean that you should leave your house and go take a vacation or at least a day trip to a fun destination where you can unwind. When many of us work from home, it can be tempting to check the computer — even on our days off. By getting away, you rid yourself of the chance to let work ruin your fun.
The goal is to travel for personal enrichment. Go somewhere that will provide an experience you’ve never had before, or travel to a quiet place where you can be with your thoughts if that is what you need. Wherever you go, consider journaling your thoughts and experiences. That is a great way to relieve some stress and focus on your mental health.
This same logic of personal enrichment should even be applied to your business trips. Just because you are going somewhere else to work, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take advantage of your time between meetings. Make it a point to go out and see some local tourist attractions or you could even just check out the hotel spa or sit by the pool. Wherever you do, create some “me time” so you can relieve the stress of the trip.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can disconnect from the office and experience a better work-life balance. Consider the tips here, and you’ll improve your mental health.
