3 Tips To Switch Off From Work Stress
Recently, my husband and I traveled to Naples, Florida. It was a last minute trip, and to be honest, I had no idea how much I needed it until we were there. It was wonderful to relax and unplug, and truly take some time to step away from work.
Which leads me to today’s topic: how to switch off from work stress.
Switching off from work stress is no joke. And too often, we don’t realize how wrapped up we are until we are finally asked to step away. Believe me, it wasn’t an easy endeavor for my husband (and accountability partner) to convince me.
Switching Off From Work Stress: Just Say Yes
It actually took my husband three times to finally get me to agree to our trip. The excuses were plenty and easy to come by:
- Work is too busy…
- But what about the kids?
- My team can’t handle me leaving right now.
The list goes on. So instead, let’s look at a different type of list; how to turn off mentally and unplug from work.
Why Switch Off Mentally?
You’ve most likely heard this before, but I will say it again because it’s true. It’s crucial for your personal life, and self-care to find a way to destress, and detach yourself from work. With that in mind, here are 3 pointers to help you switch off.
Switch Off Work Stress Tip #1: Change Your Environment.
This doesn’t necessarily need to be to the scale of packing up and hopping on a plane. You can work on turning off mentally without going on a trip (although it is nice to get away), even if it means exploring on a local level. Something as simple as closing your laptop, and taking a walk to a nearby park can be a great reset.
Get out of the same space that you’ve been in daily for the past few months. Change your setting, get out into nature, and get some fresh air. Force yourself out of the rut that you may not even know that you’re in. Get off that treadmill of routine, and work emails that you’ve been chasing for a little bit too long.
Pro tip: Consider taking a journal with you, and writing down some reflections. Open up your notepad on your phone; what’s been weighing on you, how are you feeling? Just the act of writing it out can help you feel better.
Switch Off Work Stress Tip #2: Find An Accountability Partner.
When it comes to taking care of your mental health and turning off that stress from long work days, accountability partners truly are crucial.
In my life, my accountability partner also happens to be my husband. But it can be a friend, or another family member. Someone who will be willing to confront you when they start to see you frazzled, or running too hard, and simply say, “Have you recently taken time to step back, and enjoy the fruits of your labor?”
“Do you think you might need a day or a half day to yourself, to unwind and tune out?”
The answer is almost always yes.
By the way… accountability is a huge part of creating tangible results across your life, both professionally and personally. To learn more, sign-up here to get my free Personal Brand Action template sent straight to your inbox:
Switch Off From Work Stress Tip #3: Unplug
This might be the hardest part when it comes to switching off work stress, yet it’s also the most important. If you don’t unplug, your brain isn’t being allowed to turn off those work thoughts.
If that means turning off your phone for a while, or putting it on airplane mode, then so be it. In 2020 we are consumed more than ever with email notifications and text messages, and the badges and alerts seem never ending.
Step away from the notifications for a few hours. Put up an out-of-office if you need to. Do what you can to create the space to allow your mind to recharge, and re-energize.
Why Switch Off From Work?
Believe it or not, practicing the above tips will actually help you come back to your work feeling refreshed, resilient, and ready to rock. You may find you have more energy and vigor to confidently lead your team.
Taking time away from work can open up opportunities for you to get a better bird’s eye view, and create or reinvent as needed. You just might find yourself coming up with a solution to an issue that’s been lingering for awhile.
So tell me, what will you do this week to help you power down from work stress, and start to refresh and recharge? Comment below, I’m here to help!