Post-Work Habits Ruining You
Naveen Kumar
| 04-03-2025
· Lifestyle team
If you're looking to increase productivity, working nonstop may seem like the solution. But experts suggest that overworking yourself can actually hinder your efficiency.
The secret lies in allowing your brain time to recharge after hours. Experts, including clinical psychologist Sophie Mort, agree that engaging in relaxing activities can make you more productive the next day.
Here are five habits you should avoid after work to stay sharp and focused:
1. Doing More Work
After a long workday, piling on more tasks can lead to burnout. Heather Lamb, a workplace well-being expert, emphasizes that our brains need time to recover.
Chipping away at projects after hours only makes you feel less motivated and creative. Instead, try low-stress activities like walking or reading to clear your mind and recharge.
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2. Staying On Top Of Work Notifications
Constantly refreshing work emails or checking notifications keeps your brain in "problem-solving" mode, preventing you from fully disconnecting.
Sophie Mort warns that this "always-on" mindset can lead to exhaustion and hinder your productivity the next day. To avoid this, turn off work notifications and leave your work devices in another room to give your brain the break it needs.
3. Not Having A Transition From Work To Personal Time
The blurred lines between work and home life can be particularly tough for remote workers. Without a clear marker to signal the end of the workday, your brain stays stuck in work mode.
Mort suggests simple activities like changing clothes, washing your face, or lighting a candle to help you transition to personal time. Repeating this habit helps your brain recognize the end of the workday.
4. Overloading Your Evening With Tasks
Filling your evening with demanding chores like laundry and grocery shopping can feel overwhelming and demotivating.
Billy Roberts, founder of Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, advises spacing out these tasks over several days. Balancing difficult tasks with enjoyable activities can prevent burnout and ensure you still have energy for the next day.
5. Neglecting Your Sleep Routine
Sleep is crucial for productivity, memory, and creativity. Skipping out on good sleep hygiene can leave you tired and irritable the next day.
Experts recommend avoiding caffeine six to eight hours before bedtime and sticking to a consistent bedtime. Mort also suggests incorporating relaxing activities like meditation or stretching before bed to help you wind down and get quality sleep.
Improving productivity doesn't mean working harder—it's about giving your brain time to rest and reset. By following these expert tips, you can boost your focus and energy levels, ensuring you stay sharp for the tasks ahead.
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Video by Jay Shetty