Leaving Work Behind to Relax and Sleep

One of the reasons people find it hard to sleep is because of stress. I've often read advice to leave work at work and not to bring it home with you.  Time at home should be a time to relax and rejuvenate.  Besides — you are at home and not at work and cannot do the work even if you’re thinking about it.  So why worry about it?

Not bringing work home with you is easier said than done.  Especially if you are like me and telecommute.  And more and more, people are working from home.  So, how do you leave work worries at work time so that it doesn’t lead to ruining your free time?

If You Do Telecommute

Have only one room in the house where you work.  That is your office.  You do not bring any phones, laptops or reports to other parts of the house.  Especially do NOT bring any work material in the room where you sleep (if you can avoid it).  When you work, you do it in just the one room.  That’s it.  No exceptions.  If you pick up a phone in a non-work room and the caller wants to talk work stuff, walk to your office to do it.

Over time, your subconscious will be programmed to associate your work room with work.  Ever suddenly have to use the toilet when you just glimpse a restroom door?  That’s the same principle.  A familiar work room lets your brain know "Now it’s time to work." And the opposite as well "I’m not in the work room — I’m not working."

Transitioning Ritual

Another way you can help let your subconscious know that it’s time to leave work behind is to some sort of small ritual when you come home (or go to another part of the house to relax).  Some people do this by changing clothes.  We shed our work persona and problems as well as our work clothes.  Remember when Mr. Rogers would take off his shiny black shoes and put on his loafers when the show began?  That’s sort of the idea.


One thing I do is that I put on classical music CDs to let my mind know that it’s time to leave work problems behind and just relax.  When I work, I either listen to nothing, or listen to pop, blues or world music.  Taking a hot bath or shower is another great way to help leave work at work.  Meditation is another way to at least get your mind to relax for a few minutes or before bed.

No Short Cuts


Using chemicals like alcoholic beverages to transition from work to home or before sleep is not recommended.  They can not only wreck your health, but your body gets used to them. Then, you need to drink, ingest, snort or shoot more and more of the "tranquilizer" in order to physically relax.


It takes practice and gentle mental reminders to get used to the idea of leaving work behind once you get home.  Be patient with yourself and laugh at yourself, if that helps you to relax.  Even if you work at home, you don’t have to take work home with you.

Hope this helps and sweet dreams.

Image from Just Bedding Blog.