From the course: Time Management Tips

Building transition time into your day

From the course: Time Management Tips

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Building transition time into your day

- Do you have a clear boundary line between work and home? Many people struggle with making that transition. This is a little bit like driving a car, you can't go immediately from first to second gear, and you certainly don't want to go from drive to reverse, yet many people experience this very problem when they're in work mode and thinking about all the stress and the challenges of the day, and then immediately drop themselves into a situation where they're with friends or family. I'd like to help you make a smoother transition so that when you get home you're ready to focus on being with loved ones or just relaxing. It begins by creating a buffer space, some amount of time at the end of your workday that gives you room to make that transition. So, what do we do with that time? There are several options, I'll explore a few to help stir your thinking about it. First of all, there's the commute. Now, many people drive or use transit to get from work to home. What do you do during that time? Now, some people are still answering emails, still doing work. That doesn't get your mind in that place to be ready to make the transition. I'd recommend doing something or listening to something that's just enjoyable to you that's non-work related. Another transition tool I've seen people use is exercise. By going to the gym or going for a run, that helps clear your brain and your body to get ready to just enjoy being at home. Or, you could use a hobby. Personally, this is something that I do. At the end of my day, I play video games for 30 minutes. Now, my wife hates video games, but she loves the result of me doing this because it helps me be more present with her and with my children. You can do anything that's enjoyable to you. You can spend some time reading, or any kind of project, playing a musical instrument, just some little thing that helps you make that transition. All of us can benefit in some way of establishing this clear line and a transition, the question is exploring what's right for you.

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