Three Ways to Consciously Uncouple from Work

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? Click here to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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It’s no secret, technology can make you more productive. But many of us are connected or “on call” all the time. And what if that’s distracting us and stressing us out more??

I don’t know about you, but I’m a lot happier (and more productive) when I’m not thinking about work all the time!

So it’s important to set boundaries and to be mindful about technology.??

Here are a few tricks I use to make sure work doesn’t have my attention all the time:

1) Be mindful about notifications.

When I first started working at Fox News as a senior producer – we still used Blackberry phones!

I made the decision to turn off the flashing red light that alerted me to a new email on the front of the phone. By making the choice to control when I checked my Blackberry, I was able to stop being so reactive. That little light caused me lots of work-related stress even when I wasn’t at work.?

While something as simple as turning off a notification may seem insignificant, it can make a big difference.?

And this habit has translated perfectly to the iPhone era. Turn the sounds and notifications off.?

Your brain will thank you.?

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Want more tips on creating boundaries? Join me in my LinkedIn Learning course “How to Set Boundaries and Protect Your Time.”

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2) Create a phone-free zone.?

While I don’t lock my phone in a safe, I’ve made the choice to keep my phone out of my bedroom.?

(The only exception is when I’m traveling. Otherwise, my bedroom is a totally phone-free space.)

This means taking a break from everything work-related that comes with my phone.?

It can be hard to stick to this rule since our phones are almost like another limb! But be honest with yourself. Do you have the willpower not to check your email or Instagram? Or will you inevitably check your phone and fall down an internet rabbit-hole, ruining your beauty rest?

If, like me, you’re the latter, keep your phone out of the bedroom.

3) Make time for yourself in the morning.

As I say in my book, Listful Living: A List-Making Journey to a Less Stressed You , I always carve out some time for myself in the morning.?

Before the workday begins, I always meditate, drink some tea, and read the newspaper. In addition to helping me start the day off with a balanced attitude, this routine keeps me from feeling like my whole day is dominated by work-related tasks.?

These are three small changes that make a big impact on your work-life balance and creating healthy boundaries.

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? Click here to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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