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If you’re anything like me, it can be hard to pivot from work mode to life mode – especially when you’re an entrepreneur and the work is quite literally never “done.”
However, over the past few years, I’ve incorporated a few key practices into my daily rhythms that have helped me be more present in my LIFE, even when there are needs in the business!
I don’t think I’m the only one but I am obsessed with hearing about other people’s routines whether it’s their morning routine, their skincare routine – there’s something so fun about visualizing that person’s life in a more detailed way and I always feel like I get new tips and tricks to stay and try in my own life.
So in this episode, I’m sharing my personal work wind-down routine with you, which is how I exit the workday and enter into life mode with more ease and less tension!
Recognizing the Need for Change
We’ve all caught glimpses of those memes that say something like, “Entrepreneurs are the only crazy people willing to leave our 9-5 jobs in order to work 24/7.”
While I think those are worth a laugh, I also think it paints a picture for us that that has to be the standard as an entrepreneur.
Since becoming a mom, I’ve come to the realization that constantly working and being connected was not sustainable. Having my daughters really prompted a deep reflection on what truly mattered in life and how I wanted to balance my roles as a business owner and also be a present parent.
I know what it’s like to feel like you have to work 24/7 and bring your laptop everywhere and it’s not a good feeling, nor is it healthy… which is why I needed a change!
Establishing Transition Rituals
When I was discussing this topic with my therapist a few months ago, she recommended I create a work wind-down routine every day to signal the transition from “work” mode to “life” mode.
She explained that transition rituals play a vital role in creating a clear separation between work and personal life, and I can now say with confidence that they work!
In order to shift my focus from my work to my family, I’ve been going into the house before Drew gets home with the kids to put music on, slow down, and prepare dinner.
I always make sure I do this before they get home, so that when they walk in, I am fully present for them.
My Work Boundaries
Setting boundaries in both work and personal life are essential to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy balance in our lives. I go into detail about this in Episode 758: Weird Places You Need to Set Boundaries in Your Biz!
My team and I implement pretty strict communication protocols within, specifically by utilizing Slack’s time-zone reminders and scheduling features to limit work-related interruptions after hours.
This allows us to create a more structured and focused work environment, and respect everyone’s time with their families.
Winding Down Before Bed
To me, self-care is an essential component of maintaining a balanced routine and showing up more fully in all aspects of my life.
To wind down before bed, I do a “turn down service” for myself in my bedroom. This involves preparing the environment for sleep by closing the curtains, pulling down the sheets, turning on white noise, and setting up my diffuser with essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender.
I also take the time to do my skincare routine, which has been a game-changer for me. I use Primally Pure products and recently added a peptide cream from One Skin to help reverse age my skin. This self-care routine not only benefits my skin but also serves as a way to transition from the day’s activities to relaxation.
I’ve become a fan of wearing pajamas to bed, and have found that a matching pair of comfortable PJs made from soft material helps regulate my temperature and sets the stage for a restful night’s sleep. Brands like Nuuds, In My Sundays by Mallory Irvin, and Eberjey are my favorites for luxurious sleepwear!
Another essential part of my wind-down routine is placing my phone in the Aro Box from 5PM to 7AM. This practice helps me disconnect from technology, reduce screen time, and focus on being present with my family and in my personal time.
By controlling the controllables, such as going to bed early, reading on my Kindle before sleep, and avoiding screens in the bedroom, I prioritize quality sleep and relaxation, which ultimately contributes to my overall well-being and productivity.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence
In general, creating a balanced routine and cultivating mindfulness and presence are key elements in transitioning effectively between work and personal life.
If you struggle with unwinding after work, I highly recommend doing grounding exercises, giving yourself time for intentional reflection, and establishing transition rituals to signal that transition!
This, combined with self care before bed, has allowed me to be more present with my family, my team, and myself. And I want that for you too, Goal Digger!
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