Ah, time off—those sacred days that appear on the calendar like an oasis in the desert of emails, Slack notifications, and Zoom meetings that could have been emails. If you’re like me, the concept of “time off” is more of a suggestion than a reality. Because let’s face it, even when you’re technically off the clock, your brain is still somewhere in a corner, subtly reminding you about that report you need to finish, the meeting you missed, or the fact that your inbox has become an escape room you’ll never conquer. Why is it so hard to forget about work?
This one’s for you: fellow overworked millennial! In this blog post, we’re going to explore how to actually forget about work during time off. Spoiler: it’s possible, but it might take some Jedi mind tricks, a lot of Netflix, and maybe a bit of tequila. Let’s dive in.
1. Why Is It So Hard to Forget About Work?
Before we tackle how to forget about work, let’s first break down why it’s so difficult. You know you’ve earned your time off, and yet your brain refuses to cooperate. Here’s why:
The Hustle Culture Is Real
You’ve probably heard it before: “If you’re not hustling, you’re falling behind.” And while that’s motivational and all, it’s also completely unsustainable. Many of us have internalized the idea that if we’re not constantly being productive, we’re failing. So, naturally, when we take time off, we feel this weird guilt—as if resting is some sort of betrayal to the #grind.
FOMO: The Work Edition
Another reason you can’t forget about work is the constant feeling that things are happening without you. Maybe your coworkers are making decisions that you’re not a part of, or maybe Brenda from accounting has taken over your task in a way that makes you look obsolete. Either way, the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) isn’t just for brunches and parties—it exists in the workplace too, and it can haunt you during your time off.
The All-Seeing Eye of Technology
Let’s not forget that, unlike the pre-iPhone era, we are perpetually connected to our jobs. Whether it’s the ding of a Slack notification or the fact that you accidentally left your work email logged in on your phone (oops), we’re always just one app away from slipping back into work mode.
2. Step One: Physically Detach From Your Work Devices
This is probably the easiest and yet hardest step. You have to—brace yourself—turn off your work devices. Your phone, your laptop, your tablet, even that smartwatch that makes you feel like a 21st-century James Bond.
Now, I get it. You could mute the notifications or turn on Do Not Disturb, but let’s be real: you’re going to be tempted to check. So instead, put those devices in a drawer. Or better yet, lock them in a vault. Better still? Throw them into the ocean (just kidding, please don’t do that—we millennials have enough debt already).
The Uninstall Trick
If you can’t physically part with your phone (because, like, who can?), then at least uninstall the apps that connect you to work. Bye-bye Slack, farewell Outlook, sayonara Google Drive. You can reinstall them when your time off is over.
Pro tip: When you reinstall these apps, it’s like a little reunion, except instead of happiness, you’re greeted by 937 notifications and crippling dread. Yay!
3. Step Two: Create a “Work-Free” Ritual
A good way to mentally clock out of work is to create a ritual that tells your brain, “We’re done for now.” This can be something simple like taking a walk, meditating, or engaging in interpretive dance to Beyoncé’s greatest hits. Whatever floats your boat.
Some Ritual Ideas to Consider:
- Post-it Note Burn: Write down all the work-related tasks you’re worried about on sticky notes and burn them. Safely. Preferably outside. It’s cathartic.
- Commute of Freedom: If you’re working from home, go on a symbolic “commute” to your favorite coffee shop or park. Leave your work brain at the metaphorical office.
- The Grand Exit: On your last day before vacation, dramatically close your laptop like you’re in a corporate thriller movie. Throw in a deep sigh for added effect.
4. Step Three: Embrace Your Hobbies Like a Child Embraces Chaos
Remember hobbies? Those things we used to do for fun before capitalism convinced us to monetize them? Now’s the time to rediscover the joy of doing something purely for yourself.
Pick Up a Book (That Has Nothing to Do with Work)
Seriously, no career books. No self-improvement books. You’re on time off! Dive into a juicy thriller or a fantasy novel where people solve problems by waving a wand, not by “circling back on that.”
Channel Your Inner Picasso
You don’t have to be “good” at a hobby to enjoy it. Break out those dusty art supplies and paint like your fifth-grade art teacher is giving you extra credit. (Pro tip: If you need inspiration, wine-and-paint nights are always a good time.)
Physical Hobbies = Mental Freedom
There’s something about using your body that helps to free your mind. Try going for a bike ride, hiking, dancing, or even doing yoga. Bonus: it’s way harder to think about work when you’re too busy trying not to trip over your own feet during Zumba.
5. Step Four: Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
One of the best ways to forget about work during your time off is to, well, ensure that nothing is falling apart while you’re away. And that’s where delegation comes in. It might feel weird or uncomfortable at first (because, obviously, no one can do the job quite like you), but trust me: life goes on.
Pick Your Backup Wisely
You know that one coworker who’s super competent and has their life together? Yeah, delegate to them. Not Chad, the guy who’s perpetually “out of office” even when he’s in the office.
Set Clear Boundaries to Help Forget About Work
Before you hand over the reins, make sure you set some clear instructions. And by clear, I mean practically foolproof. Include a flowchart if you need to. (Bonus points for adding, “If all else fails, DON’T call me.”)
6. Step Five: Schedule a “Worry Time” (But Keep It Short)
Here’s a little psychological hack for you. If you find it impossible to completely forget about work, then don’t fight it—embrace it. But only for a short period of time.
The Ten-Minute Worry Window
Every day, allow yourself exactly 10 minutes to freak out about work. You can think about that email you forgot to send, stress over that upcoming deadline, or imagine all the ways your coworkers are messing things up in your absence. Set a timer. When the timer goes off, you have to stop worrying. It’s kind of like turning off your computer but for your brain.
7. Step Six: Dive Into the Black Hole of Streaming Services
Want to forget about work? There’s no better way than getting sucked into the mind-numbing abyss of streaming platforms. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, you name it—endless distractions await.
Binge-Watching: An Art Form
Pick a series with multiple seasons. The kind that pulls you in so deeply, you forget what day it is. Bonus points if it’s a show that has nothing to do with real life. You don’t want to accidentally watch a workplace drama and trigger yourself back into thinking about your own job.
Documentaries to Avoid:
- Anything about tech startups
- The “grind” culture
- Any episode of Shark Tank
- The Office (obviously)
8. Step Seven: Plan Something Exciting to Look Forward To
Here’s the thing: your time off is going to fly by. It always does. So, instead of dreading the inevitable return to work, distract yourself with something fun on the horizon.
Plan a Trip (Even a Mini One)
Even if it’s just a weekend getaway, planning something exciting can keep your mind focused on the future rather than on the impending return to your 9-5. Whether it’s a road trip to a nearby town or a full-blown vacation to Bali, having something to look forward to is key.
Learn Something New to Forget About Work
Is there a skill you’ve always wanted to learn? Now’s the perfect time to dive into it. Sign up for a cooking class, take up photography, or finally master the art of latte foam art. Whatever it is, make sure it has absolutely nothing to do with work.
9. Step Eight: Check In With Yourself (Not Your Job)
Use your time off to do a little self-reflection—ask yourself the big questions. No, not “Did I CC the right people on that email?” I’m talking about checking in with your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Journal It Out
Sometimes, the best way to get out of your head is to put it all down on paper. Journaling can help you process whatever work stress might be lurking, so you can leave it behind and enjoy your time off.
Seek Professional Help
And no, I’m not talking about a career coach to help you strategize for your next promotion. Consider speaking to a therapist or counselor if work anxiety is consuming you. They can provide tools and techniques to help you forget about work when you’re off the clock.
10. How to Forget About Work (And Why It Matters)
In the grand scheme of things, learning how to forget about work during time off isn’t just about recharging—it’s about self-preservation. Constantly being on the grind will burn you out, and nobody wants to be that person who shows up to the office in their pajamas because they’ve lost all sense of reality. Time off is there for a reason: to make sure you come back refreshed, recharged, and (hopefully) not plotting the demise of your inbox.
So, next time you clock out, remember: it’s okay to completely forget about work. Your job will still be there when you get back, but your mental health won’t always be if you don’t give it a break.
