You know the drill—your day off rolls around, and instead of relaxing or spending time with your family, you find yourself checking emails, responding to “just one quick call,” or thinking about that big project. Before you know it, your day is gone, and you’re more stressed than rested.

Sound familiar? If work keeps creeping into your days off, it’s time to set some boundaries—not just to protect your downtime but to recharge and show up stronger for both your family and your business. Let’s break it down.

1. Define What “Off” Really Means

One of the biggest reasons work takes over your days off is that you haven’t clearly defined what being “off” looks like. Does it mean no emails, no calls, no Slack notifications? Or does it mean stepping away completely from anything work-related?

Write down your definition and stick to it. Share it with your team or coworkers so they know when you’re truly unavailable. This clarity isn’t just for them—it’s for you, too.

Illustration: Think of it like locking your office door. When it’s locked, you know you’re not supposed to be in there. Clear boundaries are the lock for your time.

2. Schedule Your Downtime Like It’s Non-Negotiable

You wouldn’t skip a business meeting or client call, so why treat your personal time differently? Schedule your downtime like an appointment with the most important people in your life—your family and yourself. Protect it fiercely.

For example, plan activities ahead of time, whether it’s a family outing, date night with your spouse, or even a solo hike. Having these plans in place keeps you focused on what matters and reduces the temptation to sneak back into work mode.

Illustration: Imagine you’re a coach with a game scheduled—you don’t just skip it because something else comes up. Treat your personal time with the same commitment.

3. Set a “Work Cutoff Time” the Day Before

How you end your workweek determines how you enter your days off. Set a hard cutoff time on your last workday to tie up loose ends, communicate anything urgent, and shut down completely.

This creates a clear mental divide between work and rest, so you’re not dragging work stress into your time off.

Illustration: Think of it like a flight taking off. The runway (your cutoff time) gets everything ready for a smooth transition to your next destination—your day off.

4. Learn to Say “No” Without Guilt

If work keeps creeping in, chances are you’re saying “yes” to things that can wait. Whether it’s a last-minute request from a coworker or a non-urgent email, practice saying “no” (or “not right now”).

Remember, every time you say “yes” to work on your day off, you’re saying “no” to something else—like time with your family or much-needed rest. Your priorities deserve your “yes” first.

Illustration: Picture yourself as a gatekeeper. Not everything deserves to come through the gate, especially on your day off.

5. Create a Transition Ritual Back to Work

One reason work invades your days off is that you don’t have a clear ritual for easing back into it. If you’re worried about Monday’s to-do list all weekend, it’s going to steal your joy.

Instead, create a Sunday evening routine where you spend 20-30 minutes planning your week, organizing tasks, or setting priorities. Knowing you’ve got a plan in place will help you relax fully during your time off.

Illustration: Think of it like prepping for a workout. Laying out your gear the night before makes it easier to focus when it’s time to start.

Work will always demand your attention, but your time off is sacred—it’s where you recharge, connect with your family, and refocus. By setting clear boundaries and being intentional with your downtime, you’ll not only feel more rested but also show up stronger when it’s time to get back to business.

You’ve got this!

Best wishes,
Chuck