Why relaxing at home is harder when you work from home

For many people, home has become both a workplace and a living space. Around twenty-eight percent of workers in Great Britain were in hybrid roles in early 2025. This new way of working offers flexibility, but it also blurs the boundary between work and personal time. Without the physical act of leaving an office, it is much harder to mentally switch off at the end of the day.

The inability to disconnect has real consequences. Studies in Europe show that companies with a clear “right to disconnect” policy report higher employee satisfaction and a better sense of work-life balance. Without those limits, the brain stays in a state of alertness, which prevents full recovery.

Working from home also increases the risk of physical strain. Long hours at a desk or laptop, often without proper ergonomic setup, can lead to neck, shoulder and back pain. Regular stretching, mindful breathing and a few minutes of self-massage can help ease that tension and prevent discomfort.

Psychologically, blurred boundaries add to the feeling of constant work pressure. Creating clear rituals helps the mind understand when the day is over. You might close your computer, tidy your workspace, step outside for a short walk and focus on deep breathing before moving into your evening. Turning off notifications and avoiding work messages after hours can also make a big difference.