Balancing your work life with free time (digital detox and the effects on your work results)
It's the weekend and I'm guessing that PH community managers aren't the only ones doing their jobs right now. There are more of us here. Including you who just launched your product, or me who spent almost 3 hours on a work call on Saturday.
Since we're working online and remotely, it's hard to blur the line between what's work, what's "leisure" web browsing, and what's real life.
How do you balance your online work with your rest?
Do you notice that if you don't get enough rest, your performance decreases?
For example, I sometimes have trouble distinguishing that my work is work (because I perceive it as fun and do not mind me working in "unusual" times or days). On the other hand, there are days I cannot come up with something creative and I am stuck in a stereotype chain/loop.
What really worked for me are 2 things:
Alternating work blocks with leisure time activities throughout the day (e.g. workout, work, walk, work, meal prep, work)
Short-term projects – I get more motivated with each new project I start (it's like a dopamine boost), it fits me better as I am more a "starter" type of person than a "finisher"
Replies
My first job after graduation was logistics. Once the shipments were dispatched, my work responsibilities ended, and I could truly disconnect. Now, I’m trying marketing role, I need to constantly brainstorm ideas and explore new concepts. I can’t guarantee producing several quality content within standard office hours, so. I often still think about work even after clocking out. It nearly becomes my second nature.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@evakk :D Welcome to my world, Evak. Creative work doesn't end after closing your laptop – it actually begins as you have more stimuli. "Working hours" are for executing the idea, and "Off hours" are for inspiring yourself.
We should be paid 24/7 :D
@busmark_w_nika You’re absolutely right! During work hours, I’m often so busy executing tasks that I don’t leave enough time for deeper thinking. I also tend to give myself the mental excuse: “I will think about the new ideas or strategies after work,” which eventually turns into a habit of bringing work home with me.
I have a routine where I work until the weekend and take Monday off. On Mondays, I do nothing! I go shopping, meet friends, or relax at a café. (Working alone is the best! I can do whatever I want.)
I also work only about 5 hours a day and use the time from 4 PM onwards for myself. From 4 PM, my life is separate from work. I do yoga, running, and swimming.
However, a perfect digital detox is hard for me because I spend 2 hours every evening gaming to relieve work stress. I play League of Legends, which has its own stresses, but I can completely separate it from work.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@imbud1980 Most people drill on Mondays. Aren't you b💣mbarded by messages and calls + notifications? I realised during home office that I can do my work anytime but as the peak is during working hours, people are required to answer during that time frame.
Hi, As a software engineer at UCP Group, working remotely from home requires discipline to balance work and rest. To achieve this, I:
1. Set a schedule: Clear work hours and breaks help me stay focused.
2. Dedicate a workspace: My home office is separate from personal areas.
3. Take breaks: Regular short breaks and exercise recharge my energy.
4. Communicate boundaries: I ensure family and friends know my work hours.
5. Disconnect: After work, I avoid work-related tasks.
This routine helps me deliver quality work for UCP Group while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.