Taking time off is difficult as an OD. Even when you’re not physically in the office, many ODs focus on ways to run their optometric practice and enhance patient care.

However, taking an actual break from work and distancing yourself from your practice will give you more time to think creatively, reduce stress, and experience life with those around you. Below are a few ways you can disconnect from the office and enjoy your time off.

4 Ways To Unplug from Your Optometric Practice

Organize Your Space

A messy workspace can impair your ability to work efficiently. But tidying up before you leave can result in a more peaceful time off.

Taking a few minutes to organize your workspace will keep you from wondering if you forgot something and will help you prepare for when you come back to work. Before you leave your office, take the time to declutter your workspace for a more relaxing break from the practice.

Log Out of Work Accounts

Smartphones make it hard to have a work-life balance. The ability to connect to work and personal email and social media accounts means we’re always available. But, this always-on lifestyle could be putting stress on your friends, family, practice, and yourself.

When you’re off, log out of all of your work-related accounts, so you won’t be tempted to check, read, or respond to incoming messages. If disconnecting isn’t possible, try turning off notifications during your time off.

Find a Hobby

If you’re one of those people who always has to keep busy, finding a new hobby that challenges your mind could help you take your attention off the practice for a bit. Whether you enjoy photography, board games, art, or exercising finding a hobby will help you disconnect from work and reduce stress.

If you’re able to include your friends and loved ones into the hobby, that’ll give you a shared interest and help you stay accountable with plans.

Set Boundaries

Having a work-life balance is a nice thought, but if you’re the OD and the practice owner, it may be a difficult goal to accomplish. However, by setting up boundaries and letting your staff, family, and friends know your boundaries, you can more successfully manage healthy relationships, reduce stress, and still get work done.

Set designated working and relaxing hours. During your relaxation hours, make it known that you won’t respond to work related messages and when they could expect a response.

Subscribe to the VisionWeb blog and never miss another post!