Making the Switch From Home to Work

ometimes it's hard to "get a life." After meeting pressures and demands all day, not all of us can easily leave work behind. But there are at least two good reasons for doing so. First, you lose the opportunity to approach your work with fresh eyes if you never really leave it behind. Second, too much focus on your working life can short-change your personal one.

You may be working extremely hard. But that doesn't mean all your efforts are in the right direction. If you aren't meeting the personal needs of your family, they'll be unhappy and you'll feel more pressure than ever. Balance your life. Make a daily transition from work to home with the following suggestions.
Decide on a location beyond which you're not working any more for the day. It may be when you pass outside the office door, when you turn in your driveway or when you enter your home.
Start relaxing before you get home. Listen to soothing music or try some deep-breathing exercises in your car. If you commute by train or bus, spend some time doing something you enjoy (NOT WORK). Thumb through the newspaper, make a personal call on your cell phone or simply rest.
If you work from home even occasionally, take steps to separate your personal and work lives. Set hours for your work, and try to stick to them. Don't let your work papers and equipment take over your home. And try to avoid too much evening or weekend work that interferes with your home life.
Recognize that you deserve and need a rest. It's easy to become so engrossed in your work or so pressured by deadlines that you don't take proper care of yourself. The stress you place on yourself by not resting often will show up in your work. With adequate rest, you'll perform better at home and at work.
Be flexible. Professionals are well used to putting in extra hours when the job demands it. But also try to identify when your family isn't seeing enough of you, and make arrangements for some time away from work.
Seasonal or occasional long hours may be part of your job. But then when your workload is lighter, put in extra time with your family.