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Many people struggle to create a real boundary between their private and professional lives. So how can you leave work stress behind? Moovijob.com surveyed its social media community to understand this phenomenon, and we have identified five key tips to help you disconnect.
Struggling to leave stress at work?
According to a recent survey conducted by Moovijob.com, 40% of Luxembourg workers go home stressed from work every single day. A significant figure, given that only 11% say they return home feeling calm every day. Meanwhile, 27% of respondents admit they bring work stress home a few times a month, and 22% say it happens rarely. Professional life creeps into personal life, and it becomes difficult to leave it behind when you leave the office.
Feeling work-related stress at home often depends on your sector, your position and your ability to manage pressure. The greater your responsibilities at work, the more likely they are to follow you home, especially when they are difficult to manage. And sometimes you can feel overwhelmed for no particular reason. Likewise, if the atmosphere in your office is toxic or your superiors are overly demanding, it is perfectly understandable to feel reluctant about going back the next day.
One manager who responded to our survey shared: "I think the most important thing is to set real boundaries, especially mental ones. Accept that not everything can be resolved instantly and that some things can wait until the next day. Remember that performance at work also depends on personal balance, and that preserving your private life is not a luxury but a necessity if you want to last in this kind of role."
Take stock every evening
The best way to prevent unfinished tasks from haunting you at night is to organise them before leaving the office. This should not take you more than 10 minutes and will help you clear your mind so that you can enjoy your evening. By clearly noting what needs to be done the next day, you avoid thinking about it after work and can start the following morning with focus and clarity.
You can also take this opportunity to review everything you accomplished during the day, giving you a sense of achievement that helps you to head home with peace of mind. You performed well today, you deserve some rest!
Go for a walk
Nothing clears the mind like a short walk. If possible, take a brief walk after leaving the office to take your mind off things and get rid of negative thoughts. No need to run a marathon, just take the time you need to return home with a clear head. If you use public transport, consider getting on one stop later or off one stop earlier. And if you can walk through a park or forest, even better!
Chiara, who works as a manager, told us: "Personally, I try to spend time in nature. If the weather doesn’t allow it, I meditate to clear my mind."
Make good use of your commute
Everyone would like to minimise their commuting time. No one enjoys sitting in traffic for an hour or squeezing into crowded public transport after a long day. But since it’s unavoidable, you might as well use it wisely. Don't see your commute as a chore, but as a way to quietly take your mind off things. It's a bit like a transition between your work tasks and your household tasks. A place where nothing weighs on you and where you can let go of the pressure. Listen to music, podcasts, read a book or watch your favourite series. Anything that allows you to take time for yourself.
Try not to let the surrounding chaos on public transport affect you. Everyone else is simply heading home. Is your train delayed? Great, you'll have more time to yourself before you have to cook, clean, do the laundry, etc.
Tiffany, Account Manager at Moovijob.com, shares her tip: "On the train, I always read. It helps me dive into another world and completely switch off. That way, when I get home, I can enjoy my evening without thinking about work."
Distract yourself
Obviously, the best way to stop thinking about work is to think about something else. If you have the energy and opportunity to go out, don't hesitate to go shopping, exercise or even watch a good film at the cinema. You could also go for a drink with your colleagues, but try not to talk too much about work!
If you work on a computer all day, avoid using your phone as soon as you leave the office and disconnect from screens for a while. Your brain and your eyes will thank you for it!
An administrative assistant going through a difficult situation with her new manager explained: "I completely cut off any contact or connection with work when I leave the office. I focus on things I enjoy and spend as much time as possible with my loved ones. It helps me stop thinking about work."
Don’t check your work emails at home
Hands off your laptop; leave it in your bag! Keep work equipment out of sight. As they say, out of sight, out of mind (or something like that).
Above all, avoid linking your work email to your personal phone or computer. If you really need to, then at least turn off notifications in the evening.
The right to disconnect is a right enshrined in Luxembourg labour law. You should be able to take a break from work when you are at home, in the evening, on holiday or at the weekend. Your employer must respect this right and cannot reproach you for being unavailable outside of working hours.
Our tip for stress-free holidays? Ask the IT department to change your passwords before you leave without giving them to you. You will only get them back when you return to the office!
Over to You!
As you can see, the level of stress we bring home depends on each individual. It's a matter of attitude, atmosphere and environment. Unfortunately, there is no miracle solution to avoid this problem. It's up to you to manage it as best you can. Everyone has their own pace, so don't be too hard on yourselves.
Until you can split your brain to truly separate your personal and professional lives (yes, we’re thinking of that Apple TV+ show), we hope these tips will help you manage things better.
© Apple TV+
And if your job is causing too much stress, then maybe it's time for a change. The good news is that there are thousands of job vacancies in Luxembourg on Moovijob.com.
