Here's how you can recharge and disconnect from work as a Product Manager during your personal time.

Unplug daily by turning off work notifications and disconnecting from devices after hours, especially setting your phone on DND or muting notifications from work apps such as Slack, MS Teams, and Outlook. This helps you fully enjoy your personal time by taking a walk, going to the gym, or watching a movie, reduce stress, and return to work feeling refreshed and recharged.

Being a Product Manager (PM) is a constant dance with innovation, deadlines, and user needs. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and forget the importance of personal time. But here's the secret: a truly successful PM knows how to recharge and disconnect effectively. Why Disconnect? Fresh Perspective: Stepping away allows you to return with a clearer head. You can tackle problems with renewed creativity and avoid decision fatigue. Prioritization: Disconnecting helps you identify what truly matters. When you return, you can focus your energy on the most impactful tasks. Well-being: Constant work drains your mental and physical reserves. Disconnecting allows you to recharge, fostering better decision-making and overall well-being.

Unplugging daily helps you disconnect from work and recharge your mental energy. Here’s how: 1. Set a Cutoff Time: Establish a specific time each day to stop checking emails and work-related messages 2. Turn Off Notifications: Disable work-related notifications on your phone and other devices after work hours 3. Create a Routine: Develop a daily routine that helps you transition from work mode to personal time 4. Use Technology Wisely: Utilize apps that encourage mindfulness and relaxation, like meditation or reading apps 5. Plan Leisure Activities: Schedule activities that you enjoy and that help you unwind

Make it a habit to unplug from work daily. Set a specific time in the evening when you stop checking emails and work messages. I found that putting my phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode after 7 PM helped me focus on personal time and reduced work-related stress.

It is a very common feature on MS Teams/Any other tool where they identify pockets in your calendar and block it is "Focus Time". I personally like to take a walk and listen to music. Gets you refreshed as a PM, Gets you 10K steps daily :P

One thing that really helps me is to use the tech to unplug. Nowadays many tech stack like Google, Microsoft and others allow you to schedule focus time and manage your agenda / works schedule accordingly. This has proven really helpful for me to set boundaries and to provide insights in if I am being good to myself. Two great examples are focus time - whereby the tech analyzes your agenda in advance and schedules focus time - blocks of dedicated time- in your agenda on the basis of the parameters that you have provided. Another feature is the dashboard that allows you to monitor real time if your are maintaining the boundaries and if your need to adjust Or improve. So in short - use tech to ensure you unplug.

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time ensures you have dedicated time to relax and recharge. Here’s how: 1. Communicate Availability: Clearly communicate your working hours to colleagues and clients 2. Create a Workspace: Designate a specific area for work to physically separate your professional and personal life 3. Enforce Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and maintain productivity 4. Respect Personal Time: Avoid scheduling work-related activities during your personal time 5. Practice Self-Discipline: Stick to your boundaries and resist the temptation to check work emails during personal time

Clearly define your work-life boundaries. Let your team know your working hours and stick to them. Early in my career, I used to answer emails late at night, which led to burnout. Setting boundaries not only helped me recharge but also set a healthy example for my team.

Make sure you have a set work hours. At the same time your team should be made aware that anything that happens outside these work hours would be de-prioritised. Having said that, personally I usually leave my phone number with my team members. So if there's something that cannot wait, they always have an option to reach out to me on my phone.

One thing I certainly find helpful is to engage in outdoor physical activities or hobbies when not at work. This helps refresh the mind and ready for the usual work pressures.

Engaging in hobbies allows you to disconnect from work and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Here’s how: 1. Identify Interests: Discover hobbies or activities that you are passionate about or have always wanted to try 2. Allocate Time: Dedicate specific time slots in your schedule for pursuing hobbies 3. Join Groups: Participate in clubs or groups related to your hobbies to connect with like-minded individuals 4. Set Goals: Set personal goals for your hobbies to stay motivated and make progress 5. Enjoy the Process: Focus on the enjoyment and relaxation that hobbies bring, rather than the outcome

Take time for introspection and find your passions. Is there something you want to do or people you want to spend time with? This hobby is to mentally separate from work. This should be something you truly enjoy and relaxes your mind.

For a PM's job, that more often than not, requires you to sit for long hours, the best treat you can give to your body is keeping yourself active. Here's what I do: > Gym in the morning. : 500 kcal > A Walk in the evening : 5 Km. [~6000 steps] > -1000 kcal from maintenance Calories.

Planning leisure activities is essential. Without a plan it is easy to slip into habits that deplete rather than rejuvenate. Since I spend a lot of time at my desk during work, I try to be away from desks and screens as much as possible to make my down time rewarding. This means going outdoors, journaling, reading a book or exploring other creative outlets.

Regular exercise boosts physical and mental well-being, helping you recharge and disconnect from work stress. Here’s how: 1. Schedule Workouts: Plan regular workout sessions and treat them as non-negotiable appointments 2. Choose Enjoyable Activities: Find physical activities that you enjoy, such as running, cycling, yoga, or team sports 3. Vary Your Routine: Mix up your exercise routine to keep it interesting and engaging 4. Exercise Outdoors: Spend time in nature to boost your mood and reduce stress 5. Involve Others: Join fitness classes or find a workout buddy to stay motivated and accountable

Take time to reflect on your day and your accomplishments. Journaling or meditation can help you process your thoughts and clear your mind. I started a gratitude journal, jotting down three things I’m grateful for each night, which has significantly improved my mental well-being.

Be intentional with your social groups. Consider using Eventbrite or Meetup to find new friends that align with your interests. You may want to consider groups that have some hobbies in which you are looking to grow.

Spend quality time with friends and family. Engage in meaningful conversations and activities that nourish your relationships. I schedule regular catch-ups with close friends, ensuring we talk about everything except work, which helps me disconnect and enjoy the moment.

Consider taking occasional short breaks or mini-vacations to fully recharge. Digital detoxes during weekends can be incredibly refreshing. Also, explore mindfulness practices like yoga or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress and maintain a balanced life.

effectively recharging and disconnecting from work during personal time is crucial. Set clear boundaries by defining specific work hours and ensuring you stick to them. Turn off work notifications and avoid checking emails outside these hours. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay present and reduce stress. Plan regular vacations or short breaks to fully disconnect. By prioritizing personal time and setting firm boundaries, you can return to work more focused and energized.