The Zeigarnik effect says unfinished tasks nag at us until we deal with them.
Research from earlier this year of the effect at work found that unfinished tasks were linked to more deep work thoughts after hours. All of which have the potential to ruin the time we need to spend relaxing ahead of our next day at work.
You might recognise it yourself; sat at the dinner table or on the sofa, mentally preparing for conversations or replying to emails.
If this is you, then maybe try a different strategy. Before you end your working day, ask yourself what is still open and capture your thoughts on how you’ll respond and when the task will be picked up.
Spending just five minutes on this thinking might mean a more relaxing five hours in the evening.
