If you’re unhappy in your current role, stressed about by your workload, or anxious about a nagging boss, it can be hard to truly clock out at the end of the day. You may find yourself complaining about work all night or dreading going into work all weekend, which is an unhealthy place to be. These tips can help you separate your work and home life, and help you choose happiness during your time off.
Stick to a schedule.
Set an alarm each day (for 5:30 PM, 6 PM, or whatever is appropriate at your place of work) that reminds you when it’s time to leave. Just like a morning alarm, don’t hit the “snooze” and give yourself “15 more minutes” of work.
Leave work at work.
Before you run out the door, write down a to-do list for tomorrow and highlight the most important tasks that need to be completed. We’ve covered the importance of to-do lists before as well as this productivity hack that can help you stay focused and efficient while at work.
Chill out during your commute.
During your walk or drive, take the time to decompress and clear your mind of today’s troubles. Look forward to what awaits you at home. A hobby may help make this process easier because it will give you something to look forward to and act as a stress reliever.
Put the phone away.
If you have a separate work phone, shut it off and leave it in your work bag once you walk in your front door. If your work email is tied to your personal phone, turn off the notifications–permanently if possible. Being reactive instead of proactive is a bad habit that you need to break.
Acknowledge the stress…and release it.
If work-related thoughts are creeping into your mind all night, you may need to start practicing some mindfulness techniques. Acknowledge the thought that has entered your mind and then say, “Thank you, but not now.”
Image via Sander van der Wel/Flickr.
Spectrum Brands Careers Blog 
April 10, 2017
Career Advice