Time: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour
STEP 1: Spend 10 minutes identifying all work-related digital tasks you typically do at home. Create a list of these activities in a notebook or digital tool, noting their frequency and duration.
Examples include:
- Checking work emails or responding to messages on platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
- Reviewing work documents or updating task management tools.
- Engaging with work-related notifications on your phone, laptop, or other devices.
STEP 2: Set specific hours during which you will disconnect from all work-related technology to prioritize rest. Write down these hours and commit to them as a personal boundary to protect my downtime.
For example:
- No work activities after 6:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends, unless critical.
- Adjust based on my schedule (e.g., 7:00 PM if I work later).
STEP 3: Share your “no work” hours with your manager and team to set clear expectations. For example:
- Send a concise email or discuss in a meeting: “To ensure I’m recharged and productive, I’ll be offline from work tasks after 6:00 PM weekdays. For urgent matters, please call or text.”
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Confirm with your manager that this aligns with team needs and document any agreed exceptions for emergencies.
STEP 4: Designate a specific area in your home (a drawer, office shelf, or box) to store work-related devices, such as laptops, tablets, or work phones, during “no work” hours.