The Power of Ten - 10 ways to decompress from your work

Here are ten tips on how to switch off and decompress from work.

1. Establish Work-Life Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Define specific work hours and stick to them, allowing yourself dedicated time to switch off and focus on other aspects of life.

2. Create a Transition Ritual: Develop a ritual or activity that helps you transition from work mode to personal time. This could involve a brief walk, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby to signal the end of the workday and begin the decompression process.

3. Engage in Physical Activity: Incorporate regular physical exercise into your routine. Engaging in activities like yoga, running, or workout sessions helps release tension, improves mood, and promotes relaxation.

4. Disconnect from Technology: Allocate dedicated periods each day to disconnect from work-related technology. Turn off work notifications, resist the urge to check emails, and create tech-free zones or periods to allow yourself mental and emotional space.

5. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Dedicate time to mindfulness or meditation practices. These techniques promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, allowing you to decompress and reset your mind.

6. Engage in Creative Pursuits: Explore creative outlets to decompress from work. This could involve painting, playing a musical instrument, writing, or any other activity that allows you to express yourself and engage in something unrelated to work.

7. Spend Time in Nature: Connect with nature by spending time outdoors. Whether it's taking a walk in a park, gardening, or simply enjoying fresh air, being in nature can help you relax, gain perspective, and recharge.

8. Cultivate Relationships and Social Connections: Prioritize spending quality time with family, friends, or loved ones. Engaging in meaningful conversations, shared activities, or simply enjoying each other's company can provide a sense of balance and rejuvenation.

9. Set Aside "Me Time": Allocate regular time for self-care and personal rejuvenation. This can involve activities like reading, taking a bath, practicing self-reflection, or pursuing hobbies that bring you joy and fulfilment.

10. Plan Regular Breaks and Vacations: Schedule regular breaks and vacations to disconnect from work completely. Use this time to recharge, explore new places, and engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

In conclusion, switching off and decompressing from work is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and overall well-being. By implementing these tips—establishing boundaries, creating transition rituals, engaging in physical activity, disconnecting from technology, practicing mindfulness, and nurturing relationships—you can effectively decompress and recharge. Remember, finding the right balance is a personal journey, so adapt these tips to suit your needs and preferences, and prioritize self-care to ensure long-term productivity and fulfilment.

Note about the author: Andrew Hulbert is a multi-award winning entrepreneur, non-exec director, speaker, author, platelet donor and philanthropist. The ‘Power of Ten’ summarises Andrew’s learnings across the last decade and looks to share some of the valuable mistakes, lessons and learnings during that time. For a succinct summary of Andrew’s career you can visit: https://www.iwfmawards.org/previous-winners/winner-outstanding-contribution-to-workplace-and-facilities-management-2022/ . If you’d like to start a conversation, please direct message on LinkedIn.