How to reduce fatigue and mentally disconnect from work

In today’s always-on, hyper-connected world, mentally disconnecting from work has become a rare and valuable skill. With the boundaries between work and personal life increasingly blurred, it’s harder than ever to switch off mentally and truly unwind.

However, as the hit TV series “Severance” explores, the ability to mentally disconnect from work is crucial for our well-being and happiness.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTALLY DISCONNECTING FROM WORK

Mentally disconnecting from work, also known as psychological detachment, has been linked to numerous benefits. Research has shown that people who can effectively mentally disconnect from work during non-work hours experience less fatigue, better physical and mental health, and greater overall happiness.

As Jane Gifkins from Griffith University explains, “People who can do it are happier and healthier, and experience less fatigue.”

HOW TO MENTALLY DISCONNECT FROM WORK: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES

So, how can we achieve this elusive state of mental disconnection? Gifkins and her colleagues conducted a survey of 166 nurses working in hospital emergency departments in 2020, a highly stressful work environment.

They found that three key strategies helped participants reduce fatigue and mentally recover from work: exercise, spending time with family and friends, and engaging in leisure pursuits.

Exercise, in particular, offers both physical and mental benefits. Focusing deeply on physical activity, whether it’s yoga, running, or playing a sport, can help us mentally disconnect from work and centre our attention on the present moment.

Similarly, spending quality time with loved ones and pursuing hobbies and interests can provide a much-needed mental break from work-related thoughts and concerns.

CREATING BOUNDARIES

In addition to engaging in activities that promote mental disconnection, it’s important to set clear boundaries between work and home. This means completing daily tasks before leaving work, unplugging from work-related technology, and avoiding checking emails or texts outside of work hours.

As Gifkins notes, “Where possible, complete all your daily tasks so these aren’t on your mind at home. Unplug from work-related technology by not checking work emails or texts.”

Of course, with the rise of remote work and technology, mentally disconnecting from work has become more challenging than ever.

However, setting healthy routines and creating physical and mental boundaries around work time can help, even when your workplace is just a few steps away.

WHY MENTALLY DISCONNECTING FROM WORK MATTERS

In a world that demands constant connectivity and productivity, the ability to mentally disconnect from work has never been more important.

By engaging in activities that promote mental disconnection, setting clear boundaries between work and home, and prioritising our well-being, we can reduce fatigue, improve our physical and mental health, and find greater happiness and fulfilment in both our personal and professional lives.

As the nurses in Gifkins’ study demonstrated, even in the most demanding and stressful work environments, it’s possible to mentally disconnect and recover from work.

By making a conscious effort to mentally disconnect and prioritise our well-being, we can thrive in a 24/7 world and find the balance we need to lead happy, healthy lives.