In a high-functioning and high-performance present, allowing the body and mind to cool down after a tiring day is non-negotiable. Replaying that certain email thread at the dinner table is caused by a phenomenon called attention residue. This occurs when you physically move onto the next action on your to-do list but are mentally ‘stuck’ on the previous one.

Attention residue causes you to be preoccupied with past tasks and affects performance in the present. This enables the brain to keep multiple tabs open, thus dividing your attention to parts of the day that do not require it anymore.

Dealing with an active brain

As the brain is usually not given a proper signal that the work of the day is over, it still actively focuses on the background processes of the mind by trying to solve and resolve problems, and anticipate outcomes to those problems.

The result of the attention residue is excess clutter in your brain that may cause you to feel overwhelmed about the tasks yet to be completed. Hence providing your brain some breathing time after work – and before stepping into your home – can enable you to de-stress and not carry ‘work’ to the bed.

The Third Space was a term that was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to express the physical places that people can go to after work to unwind and reset before returning home. Applying this concept in today’s scenario would mean that the Third Space doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical location, but can be a state of mind.

Use the strategy of the 3 Rs – Reflecting, Resting, and Reseting.

Reflecting involves creating a mental summary of your day and the tasks completed during that time. It provides an outlet for preoccupations, and helps one achieve a mental closure from the grind at work. You can take about 5 to 10 minutes to review your day and note down the tasks achieved and completed. Journaling is a very effective tool as well.

Resting can take about 5 to 10 minutes, where you calm your mind down and compose your thoughts – leaving behind work related tasks. Taking a quick walk around the neighbourhood, practicing deep breathing, or even listening to calming music on the commute back home can prepare the body and mind for relaxing.

Reseting requires you to consciously leave your ‘work persona’ at the door before stepping into the home environment. Visualise yourself having fun conversations with your family, playing with a pet, or just gearing up to watch a game of soccer. Directing your mind to focus on such activities will enable you to maintain clear work-life boundaries.

A ‘digital sunset’ works!

With the changing culture comes the prevalence of remote employment. In such a scenario, it is important for people to incorporate the Third Space into their daily routines – even if the change in environment is from the desk to the couch. This can be achieved by setting a specific time for a ‘digital sunset’ – when work ends and family time begins. Sticking to a schedule can enable the mind to pack up workload for the day and make room for rest and relaxation.

The importance of taking breaks and drawing boundaries need to be emphasised for a smooth transition from office to home to be achieved physically and mentally. This helps to make the home environment calmer and more peaceful as you will tend not to view it with the lens of work-related stress. Employing the Third Space successfully as part of your daily routine can help you perform better at work and guarantee peace at home. – Image credit: freepik – editor@nrifocus.com

– The writer is a counselling psychologist, specialising in mindfulness therapy and researching the quirks of life.