Does it feel like the stress of work is constantly following you long after the workday is over? Many people lack the tools and mental strength to separate work from their personal life, often causing mounting feelings of stress and anxiety that seep into every aspect of their lives. For the sake of your mental health, personal relationships, and overall well-being, learning how to effectively cope with stress is essential. Here are four easy tips for how to leave your stress at work and regain your personal life:
Set hard deadlines for the end of your workday.
If you’re always leaving work hours later than your scheduled shift, it’s important to re-evaluate when you’re clocking out each day. Setting hard deadlines for each workday can help you stick to a schedule that affords you a better work-life balance. You can do this by prioritizing your key responsibilities and what you need to accomplish by the end of each day. When you establish your top priorities and create a daily schedule that keeps you on track, you’ll be able to stay on a stricter schedule that allows you the freedom to leave work at a reasonable time. To schedule effectively, you’ll need to forecast each day’s responsibilities and think ahead about what needs to be completed. This process is essential for ensuring you accomplish all necessary projects and assignments without having to stay at work late into the evening.
Disconnect from work emails after hours.
While it may be tempting to respond to work-related emails after hours, it’s much better to set boundaries for email. Dealing with emails after the workday can lead to stress and anxiety when you shouldn’t be engaged in your job. It can also create the expectation among your boss and coworkers that you’re constantly available. If you find yourself handling emails outside of work, consider re-setting parameters for when you check and send emails. For many people, one of the only ways to disconnect is by limiting time on their cell phones at home and setting personal guidelines for checking work emails. In the case that you feel compelled by your boss to correspond after hours, it may be necessary to discuss your work-life balance concerns and revisit expectations as to when you should be communicating work-related matters.
Make time to do what you love.
Engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy is one of the most important ways to de-stress and disconnect from the pressures of work. While you may be hyper-focused on their career growth, it’s important not to let your work schedule derail you from doing what makes you happy as a person, not just as a professional. Setting aside time each week for a hobby or personal interest can help you become more productive and motivated at work. When you make time for yourself – such as exercising, reading, or doing art – you’ll discover a greater sense of meaning in your life at large, which will in turn set you up for more success at your job.
Express gratitude on a regular basis.
Those who make a habit of expressing gratitude and counting their blessings tend to have reduced stress and greater happiness, even on the most difficult days. From thanking the barista for your coffee each morning to saying hello to others on the elevator, simple actions that show gratitude and respect for others can improve your mood and give you a renewed perspective about what’s important in life. Furthermore, when you consistently show gratitude in the workplace, you’ll be able to better cope with your emotions and build stronger relationships with others – which ultimately translates to better work experiences. A mindset of gratitude transcends to every aspect of your life, from your job to your home. Remember, the energy you project will inherently help you attract more positivity and rub off on those around you.
While leaving your stress at work isn’t always easy, taking the steps above can help you achieve a healthier balance between your job and home life. To a large extent, establishing boundaries up front – and communicating these boundaries to your manager and coworkers as needed – is critical for maintaining a positive mental state and eliminating feelings of guilt, anxiety, and pressure to work when you’re not on the clock. Mastering the tips above will put you on the path to a better work-life balance, and most importantly, a more fulfilling career and personal life.
Have you made the decision to switch careers and pursue a new job? By working with the team at HH Staffing, a top Florida-based staffing firm, you can discover many employment opportunities in various in-demand industries, including property management; accounting, finance, and human resources; administration; and light industrial. Check out our career portal today and get your job search started today!
Until Next Time,
Your Staffing Partner, Darrin Rohr- President, CEO, and Chief Servant
Current owner of HH Staffing and Former Chief HR Officer for several successful Multinational Fortune 500 Companies. Brings a fresh perspective from decades of experience creating Great Workplace Cultures by building high-performance teams while leading and managing people from all different backgrounds. HH Staffing is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, and is uniquely positioned to serve both local and national clients.
