top of page
Logo (2).png

Why Can’t You Switch Off After Work?

Writer: Rowena Hicks
Rowena Hicks
3 hours ago
2 min read
A stressed woman sits at a desk with her head in her hands, surrounded by work notes in an office setting.

Have you ever left work, got home and realised that your mind is still at nursery or school?


You’re thinking about the staffing gap, replaying a conversation with a parent, worrying about tomorrow or remembering everything you didn't get done.


I know that feeling. I spent 30 years in schools and burnt out. Recently, I sat with two nursery leaders and asked how they switched off after a hard day. One said that by the time she got home, work was gone. The other admitted she carried everything with her. I recognised myself completely in the second leader.


For a long time, I thought I just needed to be more disciplined. But perhaps it isn't about being more disciplined.


Some of us naturally separate work and home. Others naturally blend the two. Neither is a character flaw. But when we're already stressed and depleted, switching off can become even harder. The days when we most need to rest can be the days when our brains find it hardest to do so.


I used to think I was failing when the gym didn't help me switch off. Actually, sometimes my reserves were simply empty.


So rather than asking, “What should I be doing tonight?” Perhaps we need to ask, “What do I actually have the capacity for?”


It might be the gym, a walk, five minutes of quiet or simply sitting in the car before driving home. Writing down tomorrow's top three tasks can also help stop unfinished thoughts following you into the evening.


And perhaps most importantly, we need to stop seeing gentler recovery as giving in.


It's reading your own capacity correctly.


If you find it difficult to switch off after work, you are not failing. You may simply need a strategy that fits how your brain works.


What helps you leave work at work?



✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨


Follow Rowena:


—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:


—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here:  👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books


Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg


Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67


Comments

bottom of page