Transition - how do you go from work to home mode

A friend asked me, How do you transition from work to home? It was a really good question. Unfortunately, I did not have a good answer.

Like many people out there, my life has always been blurred between work and home. The boundaries were nebulous or nonexistent.

So I did the next best thing - I spoke to others and learned how to make transitions. Here is what I found.

Most people have not really thought about it. Sure, they have this moment in the day when they sigh, give up, and sit or lie down.

For some, it comes mid-morning. For most, it is in the afternoon or evening as soon as they get home. Clearly, being thoughtful about this is useful. So, what can you do?

First, I set up several short intervals throughout the day. I looked back to see the moments when things seemed to peak. For me, it was 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. So I set up a system to take a break and catch my breath.

Next, I built a system to transition. The recommendation is a deliberate act that tells your brain you are going from work mode to friend and family mode.

Think of this as a tea ceremony that the Japanese enjoy. Slow, deliberate, and unhurried.

If you doubt the value of taking your time over this, try and do a meditation right after a walk or run. When I do, I can still feel the blood rushing through my body.

Your body needs to slow down after being active all day long. You can find your own way of doing this—read a book, listen to music. Most people seem to put on their televisions, which unfortunately activates them all over again.

Finally, do something to calm yourself down just before you go to sleep. Going to sleep in a calm state will improve the quality of your sleep.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain