Create Transition Routines
Do you wash your face, brush your teeth, catch the Letterman monologue, let the dog out one last time and then fall heavily into bed every night? Or at least some version of this routine?
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that it is important to healthy sleep that you establish a night-time ritual to help you transition from the day's activities into 'go to sleep' mode. You probably established a routine of this nature with your children to facilitate the bedtime process. The ritual helped reassure your children and made them more receptive to the idea of sleep. Think about the power of that routine (and the consequences when it was upset).
How do you transition to work from home and vice versa? Do you have a long commute? Used properly it could serve as an ideal transition time. No long commute? Well, you just have to be more creative in planning your transition. Maybe you could: keep your work to-do list in the car to refer to on the way in, or play a calm piece of music in stark contrast to the chaos of getting everyone out of the house in the morning, or stop at the local coffee shop for that quick latte to bring you a calming moment.
The transition on the way home from work might involve lists for home tasks, errands or be a great chance for you to reflect on the day and review your accomplishments. Be sure to choose some “routine” activities that will help make that all-important transition from work to home.
You will really thrive when you figure out a way to arrive at your destination in a good mood, ready to work, make dinner, or relax, with less baggage from the chaos of the last hour.
Gotta run, I hear the Paul Schaffer Orchestra playing Dave's theme song
Tracy
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Tracy Knofla
High Impact Training
PS. Feel free to share this with your friends and colleagues