You’ve spent the day responding to emails, attending meetings, straining your eyes staring at your computer screen and still not accomplishing as much as you’d hoped. When you walk into your apartment, will it be more of the same, hunching over your computer in bed and eating leftovers, or will you have the space to recharge and be your most productive tomorrow?

Thanks to technology, our work lives, and home lives continue to mingle making it more important than ever to carve out a space to recharge. Home should be that space, but it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips for checking work at the door.

Have a designated space for the work you do in your home, such as a corner with a desk or a specific chair at your kitchen table. Carve out a space that separates your “work brain” and “relaxation brain”. When you sit on your couch, you know that it’s time to focus on something that’s 100% for you, like reading a book or catching up on your favorite TV show.

Never use your computer in bed. Sleep is the most important, yet most overlooked, form of relaxation. Using your laptop in bed can confuse your brain because of the blue tone of the screen. Avoid using your laptop in bed and for an hour or two before going to sleep.

Use lamps instead of overhead lights. Put your spinning thoughts at ease and prepare for a good night sleep with the soothing, low glow that lamps cast, opposed to harsh overhead lights.

Set up your space to do the things that replenish you. That means dedicating a space to your favorite activities. If it’s cooking, keep your kitchen clean and ready to make a delicious meal when you get home. If there’s something that brings you joy, make space for it so it’s easy to do and doesn’t need to be taken out, cleaned up or put away.

Do nothing. We’re used to constantly having something to do or somewhere to be, but sometimes the best way to assess our wellbeing is to carve out some time to just think. If you like baths, set up some candles and bath bombs near the tub. If you’re into meditation, have a pillow in the corner as a dedicated space to practice. Self-care can unlock so many other rewarding aspects of life.

Get rid of unnecessary clutter. When things are left lying around they can easily distract you from time that might be better spent relaxing.  Get rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or make you happy. You might be amazed by how much time you save and calmness you gain from keeping your home clean and clutter-free.

But don’t get rid of all clutter. Family photos, prized possessions or favorite books could be among some of the things that bring you happiness. Keeping out important items that you feel represent who you take a space and makes it a home.

Making your home a place that has room to relax shouldn’t be expensive or time-consuming.  It’s about simplifying what you already have, building good technology habits and making room for what you love.  Making physical and mental space to decompress in your home makes it easy to forget the stresses of the world outside when you walk through the door.

Our communities make home more relaxing with amenities spaces for both work and play.