Disconnecting to stay on top of my game! Sharing my approach
In a world where the demands of work, family, and personal life all seem to pull us in different directions, finding balance feels more challenging than ever. Like many, I’ve felt the pressure of trying to do well in all areas—supporting clients, being present for family, and still carving out time for self-care. For me, the key to staying on top of it all has been learning when to disconnect. Taking intentional time away from constant connectivity helps me stay focused, creative, and ready to tackle each part of my life with clarity. Here’s how I approach this balance and how disconnecting helps me bring my best to everything I do.
One practical tool I rely on is setting clear boundaries with technology. I’m a big fan of my iPhone’s automated focus modes, which allow me to receive work notifications only when I’m ready for them. By choosing when to engage with work-related information, I’m able to focus on what matters in the moment, without being pulled back into “work mode” every time I pick up my phone. If I’m spending time with family or focusing on personal goals, I simply don’t see the work updates, which helps me stay present and grounded.
Having a dedicated space where I can shift between work and personal time has also been invaluable. Our family house in the countryside provides the perfect setting to either disconnect fully or work in a way that feels more balanced and intentional. There’s something about the quieter, slower environment that helps me recharge, process, and reset. I’ve found that time in this space allows me to let go of the usual work pressures and come back with a refreshed mindset.
Exercise has become another essential part of my routine, both for the physical benefits and the mental clarity it brings. While I focus on the physical effort, my mind is free to wander, helping me piece together thoughts, find solutions, and often gain new insights. It’s amazing how much a regular workout can improve my sense of balance and bring me fresh perspectives on problems I’m working through.
Learning to balance work, life, and self-care is a journey, and I’m still refining my approach. The small choices I make to disconnect—from focus settings to time away to regular exercise—are each part of a larger goal: staying clear, energized, and ready to be fully present. In fact, I’ve set a new goal that pushes this approach even further: a bikepacking challenge along the Vänerleden trail in Sweden next May. Preparing for this journey gives me a sense of perspective and reminds me that becoming a better, more grounded person requires both time and intention. Stepping away from work doesn’t mean stepping away from growth; instead, it’s a way to keep aiming higher in all areas of life.
Final Thoughts
In an always-on world, choosing to unplug is one of the best ways I’ve found to maintain focus and effectiveness. Disconnecting helps me recharge and come back to my work and life with new energy and purpose. For anyone juggling multiple priorities, creating space to disconnect—even for a short time—can make all the difference in how we show up. Finding a balance that keeps you grounded is an ongoing process, but each step toward intentional disconnection brings you closer to a life where you’re at your best in every area that matters.