Thoughtful Thursday // Unplugging From Work To Rest

People talk a lot about work/life balance, especially as working from home or hybrid work has become more common. I think most of us know that it is important but some of us are better at it than others. This week's question deals with that.

"Is it hard for you to unplug from work to rest? If so, why do you think that is?"

When I started my business I was aware of the importance of being intentional with my work boundaries. I benefited from the lessons of others who had learned the hard way and so I've always worked hard to draw those work/life boundaries. However...

At least for me, as the only person doing all the things, it can feel like it all depends on me. The success or failure all rests with me. So there can be a nudge to do "just a bit more" but that is not healthy. Other times, I can get really excited about a project and want to keep going or get going, even if it a Sunday.

My work is very mentally demanding most days. It's a lot of thinking and creating and so my brain oftentimes demands a break. You could say my work creates its own rest that way. But that doesn't mean that sometimes it's not hard when the pressure is on or the deadline is approaching or I'm just in the groove and I don't want to stop!

The biggest thing for me, and I know that my particular career helps with this, but being flexible with your boundaries. This doesn't mean moving what they are (i.e. not working when I'm with family) but when they are. One of my boundaries is to not work on Sundays. I stick to that 99% of the time, but every now and then, something comes up that I just need to do it on a Sunday. And that's okay. Or sometimes I work evenings because I did something during the day. For me, the important things is that I don't let work become the default and interfere with people. That is what clues me in that I'm not having good work/life balance anymore. When that happens, I work quickly to correct it.

How about you? Is this something you feel you have a good handle on or is this a challenge for you?