5 Tips to Help You Switch Off from Work

A growing workload and the pressure of keeping clients happy can have freelance proofreaders working overtime to keep on top of things. But no matter how busy you might feel, you should always switch off from work when it’s time to. We know that can be easier said than done, so we’ve come up with five tips to help you give yourself the rest you need:

1. Take proper time off to ensure that you get real rest and time away from work.
2. Note down any outstanding tasks to get them off your mind at the end of each day.
3. Turn off work notifications when you should be resting.
4. Fill your downtime with activities you enjoy to make your free time more fulfilling.
5. Find an after-work routine that takes your mind off work and helps you recharge.

Read on to find out more about how to switch off from work as a freelancer.

1. See Time Off as Equally Important to Work

If you are struggling to switch off from work, it might be that you don’t value your time off as much as you should. But your time off is just as important as the time you spend working. Quality time away from work is essential for several reasons, such as:

• Helping you maintain your mental wellbeing. You can’t keep happy and well without time off to recuperate and achieve a good work-life balance.
• Taking care of your physical health. Looking after yourself by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep takes time and preparation. If you’re always working, you risk neglecting your health.
• Avoiding unnecessary stress and burnout. Burning out makes work harder, which burns you out further. Without proper time off, you risk falling into this downward spiral. Incorporating adequate rest into your routine will keep you creative and productive in the long run.
• Spending time with loved ones. We all know how important it is to spend time with family and friends. And taking time off work is vital to maintaining personal relationships.

Time off shouldn’t be seen only as time not working: it’s time to recharge, keep well, and enjoy yourself.

2. Make a To-Do List at the End of Each Day

At times it can seem as though, despite the day’s effort, the workload on your plate has only grown. When that’s the case, you may be tempted to plow through into the evening. But in doing so, you risk burning yourself out.

To help yourself get away from your desk at the end of the day, note all the unfinished items on a to-do list. This means you can jump straight back into them when you get back to it.

Not only will this help you to get away from your desk at the day’s (or your wits’) end, but having everything written down helps to put work out of your mind when it’s time to recharge.

3. Switch Off Your Devices and Notifications

Unchecked inboxes and a missed call from a client might be all you’re thinking about when you’re not working, but it shouldn’t be. Your downtime shouldn’t be spent with your mind still at your desk.

To keep your mind away from your desk once you’ve finished work, make sure to disable any notifications from work-related email accounts or messengers.

If you’re worried about letting down your clients, we recommend setting healthy boundaries with them before taking a job. You can also create a freelance proofreading contract that details how and when your clients can contact you.

4. Fill Your Free Time with Things You Love

You work hard to make the most of your time with a job that you (hopefully) love, so why not do the same with your time off? Filling your time off with enjoyable and rewarding activities is a great way to switch off from work.

You could rekindle old hobbies that fell by the wayside or take up a new activity with a friend. However, we recommend doing at least one thing that’s active.

Finding a new sport or hobby that you enjoy not only keeps your mind off work, it’s also a great way to keep your mind and body in shape.

5. Develop an After-Work Ritual

Setting up an after-work ritual can help you to finish on time and switch off from work. While  this routine might look a little different for everyone, you could try:

• Tidying your workspace to mark a transition out of the working day. This is especially important if you work in a multi-purpose space in your home rather than a dedicated office.
• Taking a shower as a way to reset after a long day.
• Cooking dinner, which puts you in control of what you’re eating so you can eat healthily.
• Listening to an audiobook or podcast, which is a good alternative to reading, meaning you can enjoy some entertaining content without your proofreader’s instincts kicking in.

As you can see, there’s plenty of things you could come up with to give yourself something enjoyable to do at the end of the day. Just figure out what works for you!

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