For many freelance business owners, the work day is spent in front of a glowing screen, checking off to-do lists for multiple projects, making sure deadlines are met and clients are happy. All of these things can be mentally taxing, making mental fatigue and burnout a real risk among the self-employed.
One long-term strategy to improving work-life balance overall is to make a schedule and stick to it, ensure you get enough rest, and take time off to recharge. But there are also small things you can do in the short term to improve concentration, clear creative blocks, and get more done.
Taking even a few minutes to give your mind a break can go a long way to help prevent burnout. And taking time for oneself by unplugging from the digital lifestyle—even for a short time—can improve concentration and productivity when you return to your work with a fresh mind.
We asked the Upwork Facebook community to share their favorite mental reset techniques. Here is just a small sample of what they had to offer. Have a look—you may just find the perfect solution to the midday lull that you have been looking for.
“I go to my gym, which has all kinds of workout classes like Zumba, yoga, crossfit, mixed martial arts, and more. There I get to meet other people with similar fitness goals and interests. As a work-from-home freelancer, my workouts serve as a stress buster and a place to meet new people.”
— Debashish Boruah
“Stepping away from the computer and spending time with my son [is] a refreshing reminder of why I’m putting the work in.”
— Lauren Tanner
“I go to my small garden/lawn. My green leafy fresh plants and flowers make me relax.”
— Ayesha Naseer
“My favorite mental reset technique would be to get away from my keyboard to have a short nap, a cup of coffee, and a little snack to get re-energized before getting back to work. It’s essential to have a mini-break in between [projects]. I don’t want to start my next [project] stressed out.”
— Elena C Dalla Corte
“The mental technique I use for short resets involves planning a get-together with friends on the weekends, and exploring new cuisines with mesmerizing ambiance. On weekdays a calm one-hour jog at the beach early morning, every day, keeps my mind fresh to explore new possibilities and solutions. I am also an adventure traveler and travel twice a year to escape. I consider it to be the mega reset and come back with an intention to make an impact.”
— Hassan Aftab
“At least one day a week with no screen time! It really helps you relax and make the most out of your rest day. I work on my personal projects—crafting, journaling, organizing stuff around the house. On rare occasions, [I take] out of town trips—but since I am swamped with projects lately, just one day a week of tech detox helps a lot!”
— Yhang Rhea
“Switching the topic or subject helps me, whatever I’m working on at a particular time. When I feel stuck I switch to a different topic. Sports help, too.”
— Elvis Miranda
“My favourite mental reset technique is getting in the car, driving till I get to the seaside, and setting up my tent at an awesome camping spot where I can hear the sea. In the afternoon, it’s so peaceful and quiet… Cheers, friends, and don’t forget to push the reset button—whatever that means for you!”
— Marina Mocanu
“First, I close my eyes and stop thinking for 10 minutes, then I leave all technology and spend time with family or watch my favorite comedy show because laughter is the best medicine for a mental reset.”
— Ashok Prajapati
“Simply sleep and recharge.”
— Coral Rock
“I go outside and look around for the poor people looking for food and try to help them as per my capacity. Trust me, I never found enough relaxation in any other task. [This] always [helps me] refresh. Try it.”
— Rashid Rasheed
“Closing my eyes, listening to nature sounds (e.g. birds chirping with river sound effect), and imagining that I’m there in that particular place. Oh, how I love it!”
— Cel Soriano
What is your favorite mental reset technique? Tell us in the comments!
Editor’s note: Responses edited for grammar, spelling, and clarity. The statements above are those of their authors and do not constitute the views or opinions of Upwork.
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