How to Let Go in 2019
<p>Have you perhaps added to this year resolutions to let go more often? Do you feel like 2018 was a long and difficult year and that you now need to recharge your batteries? Do you have difficulties in drawing a clear line between work and home? As a freelancer or a self-employed worker, it is often more difficult to let go, especially if you work from home. We must admit that it is often very tempting to answer an email or finish a project outside working hours. Here are a few pieces of advice to help you take real breaks in order to start 2019 on the right footing.</p>
<h3><strong>Leave your residence</strong></h3>
<p>If you have issues to let go when you are home, force yourself to leave your workplace and do an activity. Even if it might seem scary to leave without your office with you (cell phone, laptop…), just try it. Are you skeptical? Go outside for only half an hour. Take advantage of this break to practice a sport or do something you like. Go look for new books at the library or go do some jogging at the nearby park, for instance. You only need to feel disconnected, it is not likely that your world will crumble in only 30 minutes. You will then go back to work motivated and your spirit will be well oxygenated. Moreover, after a few tries, do not hesitate to increase your break time if you feel like it.</p>
<h3><strong>Respect your work hours</strong></h3>
<p>As mentioned in our article <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/freelance-life-how-to-set-boundaries-" target="_blank">How to set boundaries</a>, you need to set a work schedule and respect it as much as possible. You probably choose to become a freelancer because you wanted to have more free time; nonetheless, why do you choose to remain captive of your job? Obviously, an urgent project can bring you to do some overtime; however, make sure that this is an exception. If you feel that it is impossible for you not look at your phone, know that there are applications available to help you. In addition, you can also put away your cell phone somewhere you will not have access to it easily. Do not forget that your phone and your laptop are tools and not your entire life. You deserve periods of time where you cannot be reached, like most other mortals. </p>
<h3><strong>Free your head</strong></h3>
<p>Although some people have issues with the fact of not having their technological tools with them, it is often not the most difficult task. Indeed, the most difficult action to be taken in order to let go is to not think about your work. Do you recognize yourself in this last statement? If so, do not worry, you are not alone. According to recent statistics, 2 Canadians out of 5 are not able to not think about their work. Therefore, the first step to help you let go is to realize that you think a lot about your job outside work hours. If you do not know if your case is problematic, write out on a piece of paper each time your work managed to come back in your thoughts. Are your tasks the first thing you think about when you wake up or when you fall asleep? If so, you need to learn how to avoid this.</p>
<p>It would be easy to tell you to think about something else when your head stays at work but it is not as simple as that. It is true that you could try to hide these thoughts at the back of your head; however, they still remain. If it happens, we suggest you focus on something you are passionate about or makes you happy. You just made a garden? Think about all the possible improvements or the beautiful vegetables you will have soon. Is it the birthday of one of your relatives next month? What could you offer him or her? Thus, try to change your ideas by choosing funnier or more positive thoughts. This exercise will become easier with time and is probably better than watching TV like a zombie in order to avoid thinking about your job.</p>
<h3><strong>Take days off</strong></h3>
<p>This may seem obvious but yes it is important to take time off once in a while to let go. It is known that your body and your mind need some time to rest. Avoid working during your holidays and try to avoid any contact related to your work. One way to help you avoid emails or phone calls during your days off is to notify your clients that you will not be available during this period of time. They can then take measures accordingly; moreover, most of them will certainly understand since they are as human as you are. They also need some vacations too from time to time.</p>
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<p>In conclusion, it is not easy in 2019 to let go from work with all the fabulous tools that help us being connected at all times. It is possible that we never have been so productive; however, this precise situation is not all positive with the increase of mental health issues. We hope we managed to give you a few possible solutions to help you have better breaks and free time. Do not hesitate to tell us your tips that help you let go in the comments! Happy new year!</p>
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