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Ask HN: How do you switch off from work, particularly when working from home?

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Ask HN: How do you switch off from work, particularly when working from home?

#1
I often have trouble switching off from work during the week as my workspace is my 1BR apartment. I don't have this problem on the weekends, as I don't 'start' a working day.

Given that not starting work during the week isn't an option, any tips on how to switch off after-hours during the work week?

Re: Ask HN: How do you switch off from work, particularly when working from home?

#2
My approach is - continue the regular routine. Get dressed for work and change clothes after work is done. Use dedicated computer for work and just turn it off after the work is done. I do have a separate "office" room, so that does help too.

Can't say I'm always successful, but I find that routines like dressing up for work, setting up a dedicated computer, etc. help.

Re: Ask HN: How do you switch off from work, particularly when working from home?

#5
post #4

Simply switching devices helps. If it's after 5pm and I don't have any meetings or tasks that I can complete by 6pm, I turn off the work laptop and put it away until the next morning.

> Simply switching devices helps.

Getting off devices entirely is even better.

Re: Ask HN: How do you switch off from work, particularly when working from home?

#7

My approach is - continue the regular routine. Get dressed for work and change clothes after work is done. Use dedicated computer for work and just turn it off after the work is done. I do have a separate "office" room, so that does help too. Can't say I'm always successful, but I find that routines like dressing up for work, setting up a dedicated computer, etc. help.

I second the advice to keep the routine. I don't have a separate office at home. What I do after work however is clean up my desk and stash away the company laptop and any other work-related things somewhere out of sight.

Re: Ask HN: How do you switch off from work, particularly when working from home?

#10
I started WFH with Covid.

To separate work from hobby I turned the Dining Table into my "Work Desk" and kept my Desk as "Hobby Desk". I start every day by setting up the work desk and end work by returning my chair to the hobby desk. This keeps the two separated.

Also: Preparing dinner and taking at least half an hour to do something without screens after work.

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