How to Forget About Work Once You're Off: A Mindset Shift

I recently had someone ask me… How do you forget about work once you’re off? We’ve all been there. You clock out for the day, but your mind is still buzzing with work tasks. You try to relax, but those lingering memories from work follow you around like a shadow. I know—it’s easier said than done, but there is a way to break free.

It all starts with a mindset shift. By intentionally changing how you unwind, you can create a healthy separation between your work and personal life. Here are six simple strategies to help you reset and recharge:

1. Take a Walk as a Rest

A change of scenery does wonders. Just a 10-15 minute walk can refresh your mind and signal to your brain that it’s time to shift gears. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy nature, and let your thoughts wander away from work.

2. Shift to Positive Energy

Instead of stewing in leftover work stress, transition into something that uplifts you. Listen to an inspiring podcast, read a chapter of a book, or watch something educational. It helps shift your focus from stress to growth.

3. Engage in New Conversations

Chatting with friends or family about topics unrelated to work can be incredibly freeing. It allows your mind to focus on other interests and reinforces that your time off is meant for personal connection and relaxation.

4. Seek Spiritual and Soul Care

For me, attending Catholic Mass offers deep solace. It helps me ground myself in something bigger than work and reminds me of the importance of inner peace. Whether through spiritual practice, meditation, or quiet reflection, caring for your soul can bring clarity and calm.

5. Work on a Hobby

Do something you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s cooking, painting, gardening, or working out, engaging in a hobby can quickly shift your focus and relieve the lingering stress of the day.

6. Practice Self-Care

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Whether it’s a warm bath, meditating, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, these small acts of self-care help you prioritize your well-being and show yourself kindness after a long day.

The key to truly leaving work behind is making these practices part of your routine. By intentionally giving yourself time to rest and rejuvenate, you can reset your energy and be fully present in your life. Remember, your personal time is just as important as your work, and you deserve to make the most of it.

A Framework for Emotional Release

If you’re still struggling to let go of work stress, it can be helpful to process those feelings more deeply. Here’s a simple framework you can follow:

1. Expose the Feelings Start by recognizing the emotions you’re carrying from work. Using a tool like the feeling wheel can help you identify whether you’re feeling anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
2. Examine the Feelings Ask yourself what these feelings reveal about you. Are you overworked? Are you feeling undervalued or unfulfilled? Understanding the root of your emotions is essential for releasing them.
3. Expose the Lies Our minds often feed us negative beliefs like, “I’m not doing enough” or “I’m falling behind.” These are the lies that keep us stressed. Confront them directly and recognize their falsehood.
4. Apply the Truth Ground yourself in truth. For me, I turn to my faith and what God’s word says about my identity and future. Your truth might come from reminding yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and values, or focusing on your purpose beyond the workplace.

By integrating these activities and mindset shifts into your routine, you can finally detach from work when you’re off and give yourself the care, peace, and rest you deserve. Your personal time matters, and it’s within your control to make the most of it.

A Simple Framework to Release Work Frustrations

When coworkers overstep or try to control situations, it’s hard to let it go. Here’s a quick framework to help:

1. Identify the Feelings Recognize what you’re feeling—frustration, anger, or disrespect. Naming it helps you begin to release it.
2. Understand the Cause Ask yourself why you’re feeling this way. Did someone cross boundaries or try to take control? Understanding the root helps you process it.
3. Pinpoint the Trigger Identify the specific action that frustrated you—was it micromanaging or something else? Knowing the trigger can help you move forward.
4. Challenge Negative Thoughts Don’t let frustration convince you that you’re powerless or not good enough. Those are lies. Acknowledge your abilities and set boundaries.
5. Focus on the Truth Remind yourself of what’s true—you are competent, capable, and can control how you respond, even if others overstep.

This simple process helps you let go of work frustrations so you can enjoy your personal time. Focus on what you can control!

What strategies do you use to unwind after a stressful day?

I'd love to hear your tips in the comments! ????