How do you guys switch off from work? As an employee you can go home at 5.30. What happens when you work for yourself and your dont have clock-in and out hours?
I have actually started setting clear boundaries for myself in recent years. I used to work basically always. Nights, weekends, you name it. Of course, it wasn't sustainable. So, the first thing I did was cut out weekends. These are completely work free now. I also try to not schedule anything for Saturday (not even "fun" stuff) so I have one day per week where I can do whatever I want and be spontaneous. Next, I started setting a time at which I would stop working. By now, I don't do anything work-related after 6pm. In addition, I have an office where I do all my work. None of the other space in my apartment is designated as work space anymore. I also took stock of what activities let me disconnect the most. For example, it's absolutely crucial that I meet people during the week. I have a regular card game, I have a best buddy whom I meet for a meal and drink almost every week, and I have close friends whom I try to schedule activities with for the weekend. Social contact is the thing that let's me recharge the quickest. Aside from that, I try to avoid screens in my free time, cook elaborate meals, go to the gym, play guitar, and other fun stuff to take a mental break. In short, know yourself and your needs and set boundaries that accommodate them. Hope this helps!
That sounds like a great way to achieve that work-life balance! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm sure it will help others to organise schedules better, myself included.
If you set certain times that you work each day and switch off completely from work past those hours then that should help you wind down and relax a bit easier.
