I don’t know about you, but I really like to end my work day on a positive note. I thought I’d share with you what I do to give you some ideas!

Here’s what I’m putting on the menu.

1. Ending the day with a quick phone call to check in on someone – a customer, a colleague, a friend – just to say I’m thinking of them. It always makes them smile, and it’s good for both of us.
2. Send an e-mail that says “Thank you” to someone. It’s a ritual that feels good.
3. Taking the last 10 minutes to tackle a task we’ve been putting off is like taking that first bite of elephant before the next day. And elephants are eaten one bite at a time, as you well know!
4. Tidy up your work surface to find a welcoming space the next morning.
5. Completing one last task on your to-do list will give you a sense of accomplishment.
6. Write down things to do the next day. It’s a great way to clear your mind and help you concentrate better the next day.
7. Meditate for a few minutes. There are many applications that can help. Yes, it takes a bit of practice, but the benefits are enormous in terms of stress reduction. Don’t feel like meditating? Then take a series of breaths (cardiac coherence), smiling broadly.
8. Research shows that simply performing the same ritual at the end of the working day became a way of closing up store and moving on. Turning off the lights, tidying up the desk…
9. Take a moment to think about what went well, noting 3 things we’re grateful for, the small successes. The worse the day has gone, the more important this ritual is!
10. Do something fun, dance, raise your arms to the sky and say “WOOHOO! The day is over”.

And what about you? What do you do to take a break between work and home? Especially now, when many people are telecommuting. It’s harder to “let go of work” while you’re on the way home – commuting time often sucks! It only takes a moment to switch from office space to family space. This makes it all the more important to plan the smiling transition between the two.

Have a nice evening!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda