Getting some well-needed rest: A reminder to switch off outside of work

The climb up the corporate ladder can be both exciting and exhausting.

Those individuals who want to become successful at a company will undoubtedly need to try their hardest, making sacrifices in other areas of life to continue their professional progression.

However, the dangers of pushing through even when feeling slightly rundown can be damaging to one’s mental health, personal life, and productivity. There is a solution to avoid this burnout, while still asserting oneself as a top performer, and that is to disconnect from the hectic everyday work schedule.

This does not mean slowing down your productivity or abandoning work, but instead, it is all about setting life and work boundaries. These boundaries can ensure one has some downtime to unwind without feeling guilty from not having to bounce from one call to another and repeatedly check emails.

Business leaders are faced with countless tasks, projects, meetings and issues during their workdays, and so switching off after work and over the weekend can substantially aid their mental wellbeing.

Hence, here are some key tips to keep in mind when business leaders are seeking some more ‘me time’ to relax.

1) Clarify the situation with co-workers

First and foremost, colleagues should be informed when a business leader is unavailable outside of their usual hours. As a business leader, members of staff may be accustomed to calling or receiving replies for emails at any time of day, or even on the weekend.

Inform colleagues when you will strictly be sticking to your business hours, so that the team can organise themselves against these boundaries.

2) Get some space

Once it is clear that the individual needs to allocate time to unwind, then they need to truly relax.

Setting one’s phone on “Do Not Disturb”, together with logging out of one’s email account, are all very helpful ways of ensuring that they get the rest they crave.

Afterwards, they need clear their minds by doing something they enjoy, such as a walk, a swim, working out, going to an event, or spending some quality time with loved ones. This time must be used to help fuel a positive and beneficial daily routine, which will then be instrumental in maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the long run.

Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or a regular exercise schedule can have long-term positive effects on having a more stable mental wellbeing.

Additionally, business leaders in particular, need to start trusting their colleagues more while they are away. More often than not, they have the right tools and abilities to handle matters without any issues.

3) Distinguish between unplugging and quiet quitting

Disconnecting from work is important, yet it all depends on the manner and time when this is done.

Unplugging or disconnecting from work is an effective way of regaining energy from a long period of time of working at full speed. This time after work will help boost the individual’s productivity and engagement, enabling personal growth and a happier way of living.

On the other hand, quiet quitting is totally different. Quiet quitting involves an individual purposely doing the bare minimum as they are unhappy at the workplace. These employees have already mentally checked out, yet are not seeking employment elsewhere, and instead choose to take advantage of the company and other colleagues.

Therefore, outside of working hours, individuals must assess their workplace conditions and see whether their desire for greater relaxation is coming from fatigue, or if it is due to a lack of satisfaction.