The best ways to leave your work at the office

If you’ve just wrapped up a big project or you’ve just been feeling like you live at your office lately, it’s time to disconnect. Studies by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have found that the best and most productive people are the ones who leave their work at the office. Here are a few ways to leave the office behind and be your best, most productive self:

Unplug
Perhaps you are getting emails at all hours on your off days or are spending sick or personal days on call, just in case. Well, it’s time to stop. With the digital world a your fingertips, it can be hard to disconnect, but give it a try. Some offices are beginning to institute mandatory unplug programs to keep employees off their smartphones at the dinner table. So, get ahead of the curve and stay away from work emails until Monday morning. Chances are that email from your boss at 3 a.m. on Saturday was sent because he or she just woke up from a crazy dream and wanted to send this before he or she completely forgot about it – he or she doesn’t expect a response right away. If not checking your email until you get to the office has you in a panic, then set your alarm a few minutes on Monday morning; peruse your emails over your first cup of coffee and get up to speed before heading in to work.

Turn down friend requests
New people in the office means you may be bombarded with friend requests on social media, and while it is tempting to say “yes” to everything, think before clicking accept. If you want to leave your work and home lives separate, decline the request and contact your co-worker via LinkedIn with a personal message or write them a thank you card that you can leave at their desk. Let him or her know that you appreciate reaching out, but you prefer to connect professionally, and you are available at work to answer any questions or offer professional advice.

Wind down before reaching home
If you have a hard time leaving work at your office, spend the last few minutes before the end of the day winding down before you head out. Use your commute to de-stress at the end of the day. Don’t rush; traffic jams, delayed public transportation and cranky commuters will only frazzle you more. Unwind with music and a favorite book, write notes or letters to friends, or play a round of Pokemon Go. When you do reach home, have an activity planned to help de-stress; spend time with your pet, make yourself a cup of coffee or do a quick crossword. You will be able to relax and focus on being home, not on the piles of papers on your desk.

Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’
If you’re trying to keep things separate, then do not be afraid to say “no” now and again. Going above and beyond at work doesn’t mean that you turn yourself inside-out and become a yes-man, so keep your work life from becoming overwhelming and turn down some projects. This will keep your work life under control and make you seem more discerning for not taking on too much.

Now go enjoy your life outside work!