Skip to main content

Week 11 [13.01-19.01.20] How to turn off work thoughts during your free time


    Do you have problems with thinking about your job after you’re finished in the office? Are you reminding yourself about your projects for school to prepare even when you’re with your friends or family? Watch the video below to see how specialist advice to “turn off” your mind from work thoughts.

Questions:
1. Do you find yourself in the situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you’re finished in the office?
2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?
3. Would you try examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?

Comments

Roman Dubovyi said…
1. Yep, sometimes I do. But this usually doesn’t disrupt me for too much. When I think of them I probably do nothing at the moment. Distracting from work was never a problem for me :).

2-3. As I said before I do not usually get disturbed when its not work time. I was always taking “precautions” that are actually described by this psychologist on the video. To be precise, he insists on turning off your devices that can easily remind you of your work. What I am doing is putting all the work/university conversations on silent mode. When I am working - I am checking them. When I don’t - they do not notify me about new messages.
I know that it’s kind of situational, so when the project is on fire I usually turn on notifications to be available all the time.

I often find myself in a situation where I still think about it after a school or professional project. Sometimes it is thinking about what can be done better. Sometimes thinking intensively how to do a given project in free time.

Taking something else's head is the best way to stop thinking about work / school.

It is very possible that I will try the presented ways to free myself from thinking about work / school.
Maciej P s16488 said…
Quite often there are things that i am responsible for that still require my attention and because of that sometimes I have to or I want to think about work. There are too many things I'd like to do and too little of the time, so whenever I don't want to think about the work I simply focus my mind on these things and there is no problem with ruminating the day. I used to be self-employed in a field that required availability at any time, so back then it was hard not to think about the work.
I don't know if I need to try anything else as I don't have currently any problems with it and it doesn't seem to be my problem in the future. The only thing that is still troublesome are unpleasent/akward social situations that sometimes keep running around my head, but since they happen very rarely to me and I've learnt how to deal with them, there aren't much of a problem.
1. Definitely. I usually worry about my work when I'm trying to relax. Even though I like what I'm doing I find this extremely exhausting.

2. I do. Recently I renovated my apartment in a way there will be a separate space for everything, such us said in the video. When I was sharing the flat I usually have one room and work, rest and even eat in the same exact spot. Now I have a little working space behind the TV which is strictly reserved for studying and working. If I want to relax I have to leave this space and sit on the couch or at the table. This helps me a lot as I associate the working space with work and the rest of the living room is for relaxing. This also improved my sleeping cycle as I don't watch movies from the bed, but from the sofa, so when I go to the bedroom I can fall asleep easier.

3. I did :)
1. I often think about work after work. I think this includes out of concern and commitment. I always try to make the best of my tasks and devote myself to work. Of course, I don't forget to relax.

2. Of course, sport is my way. When I go jogging, exercising, playing darts, I automatically forget about my work or school. I know that relaxation is very important. Thanks to this, at work and in service I am able to come up with new solutions. My work becomes more effective.

3. Maybe if I have time I will try the presented methods. For now, I use a proven sport method. I know that it works, I have some doubts whether Guy Winch's other presented tricks will work.
I used to do that a lot especially when I had a conflict with a coleague. But after a change of priorities i learned to leave work at work. I try to do my best and stay focused at work For me the best way to relax is spending time with my family and like I wrote above i leave work at work.
I used a similar methods to those presented in the video to learn how to leave work at work only i was more determined to do so. the first rule i applied was not to chek my email beside the office and not to answer work calls after a certain hour.
1. It usually happens while the project is still going on and I know I have a lot work to do. Sometimes I just wonder if something couldn't have been done better or otherwise. The most important thing is not to think about it all the time and have time just for yourself.

2. I certainly have, but I can't specify them. Usually I start dealing with something else and stop worrying about work stuff.

3. I'll definitely try, maybe I will be able to stop thinking about the tasks connected with work or school.
Mehmet KONUK said…
1. Do you find yourself playing video games? Or have you been playing in the past?
I used to play a lot when I was a kid. I wouldn't get off the pc for hours. Especially when the arcade came out, the tank and mario game was indispensable for me
2. Is it your way to relax after hard day at work?
Sometimes yes. Maybe sometimes something bad can happen. Because mostly I like strategy games or survival games. So sometimes it can be tiring instead of resting when it is a difficult episode.
3. Do you have your own idea on how video games may positively impact on us?
One of the best solutions to get rid of confusion problems
While sometimes the best idea for your projects come to mind at the shower at 3am it is crucial to separate thoughts for a some time during the day. It is very important to have work/life balance to keep happy and healthy life. Learning how to mediate or having some absorbing hobby seems like best ideas for me to stop thinking about work.
Kyrylo said…
This is actually a severe problem with modern people. The steel grasp of our jobs never release us. I have seen that in my parents as a kid, wondering, why are they picking up the phone or responding to emails or even do their projects at the weekends, the only time of the week you are supposed to be free from everything that. What's more, you don't actually get paid for it. So I thought, how could such thing happen, and that I won't allow this to ever happen to me.

Well, it did. Naturally. Sadly, the video is of little use. The speaker spends 95% of the time talking about the problem and describing it, but hardly ever tells how to combat it, and defeat it. The only concrete suggestion I have heard in the vid -- change clothing after You've done working at home. Aaand.. That's it. Well, I guess that is the problem with all psychologists -- a ton of text about nothing, and little of a concrete actions. And this leaves exactly where we started -- with existing severe problem and no idea how to deal with it.
PIOTR PAWLAK said…
1. Do you find yourself in the situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you’re finished in the office?
Yes, all the time. I thnik this is one of my biggest disadvantage. I cannot stop thinking about work event I left it couple hours ago.
2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?
Yes I try to do my hobbies then. For example I play football with my friends a lot in week days so I can not think about work in that time.
3. Would you try examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?
Yes, for sure I will try.
1. To be honest, I never had such problems, mostly because I’ve always had this line between the home and everything else, “the outer world”. That’s why I’ve always had a problem with a homework, because of that word – “home”. I have no problem focusing at work or in the university, I can work in a café or in a library, but home is solely for me, that is my castle where there is no place for work. And, frankly, I like things as they are now.
2. Just don’t let others bring work into your home. Draw a distinct line.
3. I don’t have problems with this even now.
1. Do you find yourself in the situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you’re finished in the office?

To be honest – very often. It happens usually when the project that I am working on is taking all of my time and I finish work around and go straight to bed. In such situations it very often makes me even think about the project during my sleep.


2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?

Unfortunately it is not that easy, because even if I change my environment and meet with my friends I sometimes find myself floating away and thinking about how to improve my current project. What can be done better and what could be added. The good thing is that usually when that happens it means that I am really passionate about that project so it is not irritating.


3. Would you try examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?

Definitely. The two ideas that seem to be the most effective to me are those about changing clothes and the atmosphere in the room while working and off work. Creating such “work state of mind” would be greatly beneficial for me and my productivity. Not even mentioning my work hygiene.
1. Unfortunately yes, I do often catch myself brooding about whatever projects I’m working on at the time or thinking about my schedule and tasks for the upcoming weeks.

2. I have some measures of reducing the tension and stress leftover from work. To direct my thoughts and energy elsewhere by doing something I enjoy, for instance, spending time with my friends and family, working out or sometimes browsing the Internet.

3. Some of the methods mentioned it the video I already exercise, e.g. I do have a clearly separated working space, others, I’m afraid, would be difficult to stick to in my case due to my lifestyle and the nature of my job, for example not checking the emails or doing anything work-related after a fixed hour.
Kgajewska said…
1. Yes, for me it's just impossible to not thinking about projects or work tasks. It used to worry me a lot and I started to think that I have some big tendecies to workaholism, but unfortunately, the best ideas and problems' solutions come when I'm not at work.

2. No I don't. My mind has to have something to think about all the time and It's more like switching between topics rather than "switching off" completely. It works best for me - just focusing on something different.

3. I don't think these methods could work for me. It seems like it costs more effort than it's worthy. I tried separating work space, but come on - changing cloths? Really?
Yurii Gevtsi said…
Of course I continue to think about my projects in my free time. I like what I do and think about it even in my free time, it doesn't give me any inconvenience. When I'm busy with something interesting or important in my free time, for example, walking, talking with someone or just watching a movie, I don’t think about work. When I just sit silently and eat in the kitchen or go to the store myself or go somewhere, I deliberately can start thinking about work, I can plan what and how I will do tomorrow, or analyze the work done today and so on.

In order not to think about something, you just need to occupy yourself with something more important or at least interesting. Since my work is interesting for me, I don’t need any methods.
1. Do you find yourself in the situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you’re finished in the office?
Unfortunately I do it ALL THE TIME and I really hate it. I know that I shouldn’t think about work related stuff and leave it at work, but I often think and talk about work at my free time, which is really tiring.

2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?
I have some activities that help me to stop thinking about work, but they work only for a while. For me the most relaxing thing is just driving my car without any destination, just to drive, listen to music and not think about anything.

3. Would you try examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?
At this point I would probably try anything, just not to overthink and stress about work, so yeah I would definitely try it.
It's still a solution that helps you in most of the situations, that's the most important thing - to have a little bit of time to relax and let you brain rest. My friend, who's working as a programmer always draws on paper when he comes back home after work and that helps him.
It's important for your brain to try such solutions. I've been ignoring this ruminating in my head but after a few years, it is tiring.
It always seems that you don't have any problems right now, and you think like you won't have problems, but you still might have, you just don't know the time of the day when it will strike you. It's good for you to find a little bit of time and try some of the thing mentioned in the video
It's great that you have the possibility to have separate room for work and the other one for relaxing and everything else. It can be depressing to sit in one room doing everything, everyday.
If you have proven method, stick to it. As long as it helps you forget about your work, it's great. I'd love to have more motivation for jogging as you do.
s15052 said…
1. Yes, sometimes it happens to me. I wouldn't say it is very distracting. Some ideas just come at different times and we don't always have an impact on it, and sometimes it's beneficial.
2. Just do something else. :)
3. Yes, I will test them on myself.
Pawel Bluszcz said…
1. Fortunately no. Personally, sometimes I was thinking about work at home and after two years of my professional work I completely got rid of this pathology. Does anyone pay us extra for thinking about work? Then why should we spend more time on this?
2. I think that it takes time to get rid of this habit. Does anyone pay you for extra thinking? If yes then you can think about work at home if not then the answer is obvious.
3. Fortunately, I don't have to try anything. I got rid of it and I'm proud of it.
1. Do you find yourself in situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you finished in the office?
Of course, I often think about my tasks after work. It's normal. Especially when I'm a person with only 2 years of experience. Not everything comes to me as easily as a more experienced employee.

2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?
When I spend time with my boyfriend, we usually go to the theater, cinema or go-karting. He's not a programmer, so I'm not talking about school and work. That's when I have such time.

3. Would you try the examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?
I think that in the near future I will try his methods from the movie.
Anna Moskalenko said…
Yep, it happens to me all the time. I’m also checking work emails or Slack chat after my working hours quite often.
No, actually I don’t. But those thoughts never disrupts or bothers me, and there’s two reasons for that. First: I never think about my job if I’m concentrating on something (someone) else. So, if I’m spending time with my family and loved ones or if I’m studying I just don’t have space in my head for work staff :) Second: I’m madly in love with my job. It is difficult and responsible, and sometimes I’m really tired of it, but I’m so deeply in love that often I’m happily and voluntarily working over hours, trying to do my best and to make my team’s life easier (I’m in a managerial position).
I think I would. Last time I was on my vacation I realized that I’m like chicken mama just cannot stop checking on my team, despite the fact that there was a person which took over my responsibilities and everything was absolutely under control :) I think sometimes it’s good to just separate myself from work and spend some quality free time.
Mykola Suprun said…
1) Yes, it was a problem for me for a long while.
2) It depends if I really want to. If I do, I usually just try to concentrate on some easy home-related tasks, like making dinner. More often than not, it helps me to forget about the work till the next day. If not, a hot bathtub can work miracles at times. When it feels so good and relaxing, you would hardly be able to think about anything, much less about work.
3) I will bookmark it in case I would ever find myself in a situation where I'm unable to deal with it in my usual way I would certainly try it out.

1) Unfortunetly, I am thinking about projects a lot. I think the reason of this is that I am under big pressure. I would like to do my best and thats why I am trying to improve it even after work hours.

2) Yes, I am trying to meet with somebody. When I am not alone, I am not thinking about it. It works and I am spending my free time in the way I like. Also, I am trying to focus on another targets like my hobby.

3) Definitly, I would try one, I feel so free when I am not thinking about my responsabilities.
Kristina Moroz said…
1. Do you find yourself in the situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you’re finished in the office?
Yes, this kind of situation happens to me from time to time. I always think about if I did it good or how can I improve my work. Or maybe I should have stayed a bit longer to do something else.
2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?
No, I don't any other ways to stop doing this. But actually, this kind of thoughts never bothered me a lot. Compared to thoughts when you on a some trip or vacations about work and "i am not deserving this one rest". The last one really bothered me a lot.
3. Would you try examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?
Well, yes, I'll totally try it in near future. It's obviously very important to stop being obssesed on your job or responsibilities during your free time.
1. I know this examples from movie on my own skin. I remember when I finished some difficult project at work and I feel stressful days after deadline. I remember it was a nightmare. I couldn't relax and focus on current affairs.
2. The only way I know is getting vacation. I did it after this project I said in point 1. But I have to find another way to clear my mind.

3. This video is really helpful I have to change how I see problems in my work. The problem here is how we perceive challenges. In negative way or as something we can manage without a problem
Ivan Mazuryk said…
1. Yes, sometimes I find myself when I ruminating the problems about work when I left it. This has a bad impact on my private life so I would like to exclude this fact or decrease to minimum.
2. The only one solution is to close all inquiries and problems at work to do not be worry about next work day.
3. Yes, I will try.
1. I sometimes do think about job assignments in my free time. Usually it happens if I had a problem with something and I come up with an idea on how to fix it.
2. I do not have, because I don't feel like I need it.
3. As mentioned before, I do not need it.
I used to feel such feeling. It way very hard and big project from work. it was okay while doing it but when we finished I have had the feeling that It wasn't okay. I felt that we could do better and found different solutions but it was late and deadline passed.
I'm trying to positively accept this kind of situations. Because sometimes we learn from mistakes and it’s not always possible to do everything for 100%.

The simples way to stop thinking about job/school problems it is doing my hobby. This is the most proven way for me.

Yeah there is defenetly some good specific tips that I would use as well.
1. Do you find yourself in the situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you’re finished in the office?

Yes, more often than I would like. I hope this video will help me to stop doing this, so I will be resting in my free time.

2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?

Actually, yes. When I find myself ruminating about job I am trying to stop doing this by switching the topic in my head to something more relaxed. Like which movie I should look or when to go on weekend.

3. Would you try examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?

Yes, I would definitely try examples from this video. Thank you for posting it, I hope it will help me and I will achieve rest without ruminating.
1. Do you find yourself in the situations where you still ruminating about your projects after you’re finished in the office?
Unfortunately, yes. If I have a difficult work to do I keep thinking about it after work.
2. Do you have your own ways to stop ruminating about your job/school in your free time?
First of all I change my clothes, as was mentioned in the video. Than I watch some video that inspire me such as dance, ice skiing, cooking, etc.
3. Would you try examples presented in the video to stop ruminating about your job?
To be honest I don't like journals, but other suggestions were interesting, such as a special area to work at home.
1. Yes, very often after I finish my work I find myself thinking about it. It is quite difficult to quickly cut off work thoughts for me.
2. Yes, I tend to switch off my attention to physical exercises. Sports and gym help me a lot.
3. Yes, the examples shown in the video are interesting. But I would only pick few of them to try.

Popular posts from this blog

Week 12 (12.01-18.01.15) Are you an early bird or a night owl ?

Owls are nocturnal creatures. They’re wide awake at night and they sleep during the day. If this sounds like bliss to you, then, like about 20 percent of the population who find themselves most active at around 9 pm, you may fall into the same category as our feathered friend. Night owls often have difficulty waking up in the morning, and like to be up late at night.  Studies of animal behaviour indicate that being a night owl may actually be built into some people’s genes. This would explain why those late-to-bed, late-to-rise people find it so difficult to change their behaviour. The trouble for night owls is that they just have to be at places such as work and school far too early. This is when the alarm clock becomes the night owl’s most important survival tool. Experts say that one way for a night owl to beat their dependence on their alarm clocks is to sleep with the curtains open. The Theory is that if they do so, the morning sunlight will awaken them gently and natura...

Week 11 [03-09.06.2019] The problem with ecological cars emission in UK

The problem with ecological cars emission in UK Since the adoption of the European Emission Allowance Directive in the European Parliament, all car makers have tried to submit. Since 1992, the Euro I standard has been in force, which limited the emission of carbon monoxide to the atmosphere. The Euro VI standard currently applies, which limits the series of exhaust gases. These include: hydrocarbons, nitrogen and carbon oxides, and dust.   The most significant change was brought by the Euro IV standard. For the first time it introduced the limitation of nitrogen oxides, which are responsible for the harmful compounds of smog.   What is smog?   Smog consists of sulfur oxides, nitrogen and carbon. In addition, solid substances such as suspended dust (PM). Dust suspend in atmospheric aerosols may be in liquid and solid form. These can be particles of sea salt, clouds from the Sahara and artificial compounds made by people. These compounds...

Week 4 [06-12.11.2017] This is what happens when you reply to spam email.

James Veitch is a British comedian. In today’s Ted Talk James with characteristic for himself a sense of humor shows how he deals with spam emails and why responding to junk messages may be sometimes dangerous. Questions: What do you think about James’s  way of dealing with spam? Why are junk messages legal, even though it sometimes may be a fraud? Dou you have a problem with spam? How do you deal with with it?