Working from home has plenty of perks – flexible hours, no commute, and having your furry friends as unofficial coworkers. But, when your office is just steps away from the couch, it can be hard to disconnect at the end of the day.
If you’ve ever found yourself answering work emails while cooking dinner or brainstorming business strategies well into the night, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Even if you truly enjoy your work, when it constantly bleeds over into your personal life, you’ll eventually start to burn out. So, how do you draw that clear line in the sand and truly “clock out” at the end of the day? Check out these five tips…
1. Build a WFH Wardrobe
One of the many benefits of working from home is the ability to ditch the formal office attire – but that doesn’t mean you should stay in your pajamas all day. While comfort is key, the act of changing into “work clothes” can significantly boost your productivity. Not only does this prepare you for the work day, but changing out of your work clothes sends a clear signal that the work day is done.
Adopting a WFH “uniform” can help you maintain a professional mindset and reinforce the boundary between “work mode” and “home mode” – making it easier to transition between the two. The simple act of changing back into “home clothes” at the end of the day signals to your brain that work is over, helping you relax and disconnect from your professional responsibilities.
But – don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to spend a fortune on new clothes or dress up in a suit and heels every day. Instead, curate a wardrobe of comfortable, yet professional, clothes that you reserve specifically for work hours. Consider options like soft, stretchy pants and soft-knit shirts that keep you cozy yet presentable.
2. Create Your Weekday Bookends
Establishing solid morning and evening routines can dramatically influence your productivity and overall well-being when working from home. Think of these routines as your weekday bookends—essential practices that start and end your day with purpose and intention.
Kick off your day with activities that energize and focus you. Begin with a healthy breakfast to fuel your mind and body. While your coffee brews or your tea steeps, take a few minutes for a personal ritual like meditation or journaling. This quiet time can set a positive tone for the day, allowing you to clarify your thoughts and priorities. Consider stretching or a quick yoga session to awaken your body and boost your alertness.
About 30 minutes before the time you’ve designated for your workday to end, stop working on tasks and begin your shut-down routine. Take a moment to review what you’ve accomplished during the day – this can give you closure and a sense of satisfaction.
Then, take a few minutes to plan the next day’s tasks, straighten out your desk, and turn off your computer. These steps reinforce the end of your professional day and the transition into personal time.
3. Use Your Words
The words we speak profoundly shape our reality and the perception of those around us, especially when working from home. When your home doubles as your office, it’s essential to clearly define when you’re “at work” and when you’re “off the clock,” not just for yourself but also for those around you.
Start your day by verbalizing your transition into work mode. This could be as simple as telling your family or even your pets, “I’m off to work now, see you later.” This verbal declaration serves as a clear signal to both yourself and others that you are shifting into professional responsibilities. It also helps you set boundaries, making it easier for everyone to respect your work time.
Similarly, at the end of your workday, make a habit of announcing, “I’m done with work for today.” It may seem silly, but this auditory cue tells your brain – and your family – that you are leaving work tasks behind and are now fully present at home.
This can be especially helpful if you have children or a partner who look forward to spending time with you. By clearly stating the end of your workday, you reinforce the separation, reducing the likelihood of work thoughts creeping into your family or leisure time.
4. Step Outside
When you’re done with the workday, take a few minutes to step outside and get a breath of fresh air. Whether you take your dog for a quick walk around the block or spend a few minutes enjoying a cold iced tea on the back porch, the act of connecting with the outside world helps to refresh your senses and reset your focus.
This small ritual is your signal to decompress, offering a natural pause that helps you transition from work mode to home mode smoothly. It’s a chance to let go of the day’s stresses and return to your personal life recharged and ready to enjoy your evening. When you make this a daily habit, you’ll quickly find that it keeps you more balanced and grounded.
5. Create Tech-Free Zones
Do you find yourself constantly checking work emails during family time or researching business topics during dinner? If so, it might be time to establish tech-free zones in your home. These designated areas help you physically and mentally disconnect from work, ensuring you’re fully present with your loved ones.
Choose specific spaces like the dining room or the living room to be device-free. The rule is simple: no phones, tablets, or laptops allowed. This helps everyone focus on the here and now, whether you’re enjoying a meal together, having a conversation, or simply relaxing.
Not only does this practice improve relationships and quality of life, but it also reinforces the importance of unwinding and recharging away from screens.
Clock Out and Reconnect
If you regularly find yourself blurring the lines between work and your personal life, do not wait to make a change. Start small if you need to. Commit to stepping outside after your day is done or set up one tech-free zone in your home. Each step you take is a move toward reclaiming your time and space.
As you experiment with these strategies, remember that consistency is key. Effectively setting work boundaries might take some time, but it’s important to keep trying.
Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and commit to disconnecting from work and being fully present in your personal life. You deserve to enjoy every moment.
