Psychological Detachment
A First Steps NZ Resource by Umbrella
How to get the most out of your downtime.
Most of us would agree that time away from work is important to our wellbeing, and to restore our ability to perform well when we return. But in our hectic lives, it can be hard to switch off and properly recover. How often have you got to the end of your weekend only to feel as though you need another one?
Psychologist Sabine Sonnentag has researched a particular skill called “psychological detachment”, which helps to maximise the benefit of our time outside work. In her research, psychological detachment was a better predictor of positive mood and less fatigue than the amount of time people spent in non-work-related activities. These findings indicate that being able to mentally switch off from work is more important for our ability to recover than the activity we do or how long we do it for. Psychological detachment is therefore defined as the ability to mentally disconnect from work and not think about job-related issues when you are away from your job.
Browse More Popular Resources
View and download our most popular First Steps NZ tools and resources.
The Bacteria and the Brain: A Journey Through Time, Life, and Connection
The story of our relationship with bacteria begins the moment we’re born. A baby in the womb is sterile, free of microbes. But during a vaginal birth, the baby is “gifted” lactobacillus bacteria from its mother, a crucial first step in forming a healthy microbiome.
The Heat Within: Understanding Anger in the Workplace
Anger in the workplace can look like a quiet simmer, with an employee retreating behind curt replies and crossed arms, or an outright explosion of raised voices and slamming doors. You’ve probably witnessed this—or maybe even felt it yourself.
The Loneliness Epidemic: Navigating Connection in a Digital Age
In an age of unprecedented connectivity, the “loneliness epidemic” stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Despite the advances in technology and communication, which have brought the world closer in some ways, loneliness has become a global phenomenon. It profoundly influences mental health, physical well-being, and social cohesion.
Understanding Anxiety: Practical Tools for Finding Calm in Everyday Life
Having occasional anxiety is a common and normal part of life. The reality is life is tricky and it throws unexpected and difficult curve balls at us. We all worry about things at different times, such as a new situation, relationships, family members, big decisions, money or health.
Thriving Through the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Stress and Finding Joy
The holiday season is a complex mix of emotions—a time of celebration that can simultaneously bring profound joy and significant psychological challenges. This guide explores the complex landscape of holiday stress, offering evidence-based strategies to foster mental resilience and genuine connection.
How Can I Help? A Te Whare Tapa Whā Approach to Mental Health Support
Mental health is shaped by a wide range of factors, which can make it challenging to know where to begin when someone we care about is struggling. Te Whare Tapa Whā, which translates to the four-sided house, was developed by Sir Mason Durie (1984) as a model for understanding Māori health.