All too often we find ourselves arriving home with work-related issues still fresh in our memory, and eradicating these stresses can be difficult. When we fail to leave work at work, it can lead to problems at home, such as a distancing from loved ones and an overall lack of enjoyment for life.
However, there are steps that you can take to ensure that work issues do not negatively affect your life. Here are some tips on how to separate work life from home life.
- Stay Positive
Our mindset significantly affects the way we perceive stresses from the workplace, and therefore, staying positive is vital. One of the best ways to change the way we perceive our circumstances is to put goals in place and then focusing on achieving them. For example, if you find that your family life is suffering due to stresses at the office, make it a point to set aside time after work each day, where you can dedicate yourself to spending time with your children and spouse. Not only will this drastically improve your relationships, but it will also go a long way in ensuring you do not feel guilty while at work.
- Talk to Friends
Sometimes the most effective way to rid ourselves of work-related stress is to talk through our issues. When you are driving home from a long day at the office, consider calling a close girlfriend to explain the problems that you are having. There is a chance that they will have faced similar obstacles at one point in their life, and they may be able to offer up some advice. Even if there is nothing particularly bothersome, simply hearing a familiar voice can be all it takes to put the workday out of your mind.
- Work Within Your Means
It is no secret that climbing the corporate ladder often entails taking on added responsibilities around the office, which in turn, leads to an increased workload. And while moving up at work and making more money can both be beneficial, they can also cause work-related stress levels to rise. When striving for promotion, it is important to work within your means, so that you do not become burdened. Not only will taking on more than you can handle lead to more time spent at the office, but if you start to fall behind on deadlines and commitments, it can cause problems with management.
- Stay Active
There is no doubt that work can be tiresome, and often we will use this as an excuse to go home and hit the couch. However, this is not good practice as it can prevent us from attending to other responsibilities. To help alleviate these thoughts, consider setting up an exercise regimen that can be put in place upon arriving home. This does not mean that you must rush to the gym as soon as the work bell has sounded. Instead, try going for a brisk walk or a short jog. While this will help you to stay healthy, the idea here is to keep moving and get the endorphins flowing. You may be surprised at how effective a bit of exercise can be in helping to forget about the workplace.
- Relax on the Drive Home
In line with staying positive, taking the time to enjoy your commute from the workplace can help to relieve your mind of stress. Instead of racing home after work, consider taking a different route than usual, and move at a slower pace. Act as if you have never been to the area, and focus in on the various sights and sounds. Not only will this help take your mind off work, but you will get to see places that you may have never known existed. Furthermore, while driving, consider singing along to some music, or if that’s not your thing, listen to some podcasts that will help take your mind off work.
Lead a Fulfilled Life
There are a variety of techniques that you will want to consider when trying to relieve the stresses of the workplace.
If you find yourself bringing work home, try to formulate a plan for staying active, and focus on spending more time with your family. In addition, take the time to enjoy the drive home by acting as a tourist or talking on the phone with friends.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you to separate work life from home life, ensuring you lead a more fulfilled life.
Wheeler Coleman is the CEO and Executive Partner at EC-United. He began his professional career as a software developer to discover his passion for identifying technology solutions to drive business results. He also sits on the Board of Trustees at Northern Illinois University. Find him on Twitter and Quora.
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