How to Actually Switch Off After Work
If you want to finish this year strong, you need to learn one skill: switching off.
We’re in the final sprint.
Projects are piling up, inboxes aren’t slowing, and “I’ll rest in January” is doing a lot of heavy lifting.
But if you want to finish this year strong, that ability to switch off becomes non-negotiable.
Most people don’t struggle with rest…
They struggle with guilt.
You close your laptop…
and your brain immediately opens a full-year performance review on you.
Let’s change that.
Set a Finish Line
Your brain needs a clear “work ends here” moment.
Not vibes.
Not vibes pretending to be structure.
Pick a time.
Honour it like a meeting with your future self.
Tip #1 — Create a Shutdown Ritual
Five minutes.
Notebook out.
List:
• What you finished
• What’s left
• Your next action
Your mind relaxes when it knows nothing will fall through the cracks.
Tip #2 — Replace Doom Scrolling with a Buffer Activity
Walk. Stretch. Shower. Change clothes.
Do something that signals: new mode activated.
Scrolling is not a transition.
It’s procrastination in a cute outfit.
Tip #3 — Build a “Don’t Touch” Window
The first 60–90 minutes after work are sacred.
No emails.
No Slack.
No “quick” check-ins.
If someone needs you urgently, they’ll call —
and we both know they won’t.
Tip #4 — Reframe Rest as Productivity
You’re not “doing nothing.”
You’re replenishing the system that delivers the results.
High performers don’t chase burnout.
They pace themselves.
Tip #5 — The Last Hurrah Is Here
If you want to end 2025 with clarity
and start 2026 without carrying this year’s exhaustion,
learn to switch off — early, often, and without apology.
STAY SOCIAL
Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram.
Save this — you’ll need it this week.
Follow Who in the Zoo for weekly career tips & tricks that work.