G&STC Director Jesse Kahn and Therapist Symmone Kennedy talk with HuffPost about Rituals to End the Workday When You Work From Home

CHECK OUT G&STC’S DIRECTOR JESSE KAHN AND THERAPIST SYMMONE KENNEDY TALKING WITH KELSEY BORRESEN AT HUFFPOSTABOUT 7 RITUALS TO END THE WORKDAY WHEN YOU WORK FROM HOME.

When working from home, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to finish one more thing before you finally power down for the night. That one small task soon bleeds into another and next thing you know, it’s almost 8 p.m. and you haven’t eaten dinner yet. To remedy this, finish only what you absolutely need to get done in a given day. Then jot down any lingering tasks so you won’t forget about them and address them in the morning with fresh eyes.

“To help limit the desire to keep going until you are completely burned out for the night, try making a list at the end of your workday to help get you started tomorrow,” said Jesse Kahn, director at the Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center in New York City. “What are the things that need wrapping up that you weren’t able to get to today? What are things you want to remember to check on? This can help ease the worry over things not getting done or falling through the cracks, as well as signal to you that this is the end of work time.”

Seeing a friend or relative’s face after a long day of work, albeit virtually, can change your whole mood and help take your mind off work matters. If you’re not up for more screen time, a phone call works too — just hearing their voice can be comforting.

“While you may be on several video conferences a day and screen time may be the last thing you or your eyes want more of, the opportunity to discuss personal or humorous topics with someone you’re close to rather than talking business can go a long way,” said Symonne Kennedy, psychotherapist at The Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center. “Sometimes a video call with friends or family at the end of the day can provide just the humanizing, regenerative and connective jolt we need to put the workday behind us.”

Help your mind shift from the go-go-go work mode to the slower pace of the evening hours by creating a spa-like atmosphere.

“Light a candle and play some music for a period of ‘destressing time’ right after work,” Kahn said. “You can sit and do a few deep-breathing exercises, stretch a bit, drink a big glass of water, dance around to the music, take a shower or bath, or any other ritual that feels meaningful to you. Ultimately, it can be an opportunity to get any pent-up tension or stress out before shifting onto the rest of your day.”