In a world where “just one more meeting” easily turns into “just one more message on the weekend,” taking a break has long ceased to be a given. We all talk about work-life balance, but in reality, we live somewhere between deadlines, chat messages, and the constant nagging thought that “there’s still more to do.”
So we decided to ask those who work with people, processes, and stress every day: how do they actually “switch off”? What helps them avoid burnout, not lose themselves, and at least occasionally step away from this endless workflow?
What do you usually do outside of work when you want to “switch off”?
Iryna, Team Lead Recruitment
Oh, well, I’m a person of extremes. Either I completely disappear: a blanket, tea, a movie, and silence. Or, on the contrary, I suddenly get into the swing of things, and then it’s coffee, the city, friends, and long walks with the dog. It’s important for me to either “disconnect” and be alone with myself, or recharge with people and the atmosphere.
Hanna Tysh, HRD WWLeads & Head of Recruitment WWGroup
What helps me switch gears best is a simple walk along the waterfront or in the park. That’s the moment when my thoughts gradually quiet down, and everything falls into place.
And, like a true lady, I love shopping. By the way, I love any kind of shopping: groceries, cosmetics, or household items. In those moments, my mind truly switches off.
Ivan, Head of WWPartners
In those moments, I always cook something tasty—for me, it’s a meditative activity. Also, from time to time, I love coming up with and making memes. It’s a very effective way to switch gears.
Ollie, PR Team Lead WWGroup
When I want to truly “switch off,” I choose what brings me back to my true self: concerts, music, books, or simply moments of silence.
I still go wild at concerts like a teenager—I love that raw energy. At the same time, simple things are very grounding: good food, connecting with nature, water, animals, and children. It’s about genuine emotions that truly fill you up.
Kostya, Creative Director WWGroup
It’s always a run: preferably in the morning, but if that doesn’t work out, then definitely in the evening. Headphones in, and I do a few laps around the lake—then my brain instantly switches gears.
What hobby is essential to your week? And why?
Iryna, Team Lead Recruitment
Sports and dancing are my foundation, even if I don’t always stick to a routine right now. These activities are about energy and balance—after a workout, you feel like a different person: centered and focused.
Hanna Tysh, HRD WWLeads & Head of Recruitment WWGroup
My must-do activity is home workouts. Without them, my body quickly feels stiff, so I try not to skip them. I pay special attention to my back—for me, this is a must, because a sedentary job takes its toll.
Ivan, Head of WWPartners
I go to the gym in the morning —yes, I try to make it a lifelong habit, what we call a “morning routine.”
Ollie, PR Team Lead WWGroup
Yeah, there are a few things like that. Regular sessions with a therapist help me maintain inner balance and understand myself better. My must-have is morning reading with a cup of coffee: it sets the right tone for the whole day. Another important practice is Pilates. And for a boost of energy and a change of pace—paddle tennis.
Kostya, Creative Director WWGroup
I love swimming; I’ve been doing it since I was six. Right now, I’ve temporarily switched to the gym—because of my anxiety, it’s hard to even leave my phone for half an hour. But I’m working on it and plan to return to the pool soon.
What does your ideal day off look like?
Iryna, Team Lead Recruitment
No alarm clock, a morning beauty routine, breakfast at my favorite spot, a walk with the dog, and then whatever the mood calls for. It could be an active outing or something more relaxing: a massage or some quiet time with no plans. For me, it’s about the balance between movement and recovery.
Hanna Tysh, HRD WWLeads & Head of Recruitment WWGroup
The perfect day off is when you don’t plan it, don’t organize it, and aren’t rushing off on a business trip. And of course, it’s about delicious food, a relaxed pace, minimal rush, and maximum simple, pleasant living.
Ivan, Head of WWPartners
It’s always good company and delicious food.
Ollie, PR Team Lead WWGroup
For me, the perfect day off is a slow morning with coffee and a book, a bit of exercise—like Pilates or a walk. And then definitely something for the soul: a concert, a get-together with loved ones, or just some unhurried time. I also love going to the movies about twice a month, so I always choose the last row with seats where I can lie down. The main thing is that on days like these, there’s room for genuine emotions.
Kostya, Creative Director WWGroup
Going to a cottage outside the city with my girlfriend and daughter, or strolling around Kyiv, eating delicious food at interesting spots, goofing off, going to the movies, and attending exhibitions. We recently went for Maslyanitsa: ate pancakes with Haribo bears, slid down a snowy hill on a “snow tube”)
Sports, creativity, travel, or just silence: what do you choose?
Iryna, Team Lead Recruitment
It all depends on how “overloaded” I am with people. Recruitment involves a lot of constant communication, so sometimes the best solution is silence and zero conversation. But there are days when, on the contrary, I want even more communication and activity. I’ve learned to listen to myself rather than force myself into a single scenario.
Hanna Tysh, HRD WWLeads & Head of Recruitment WWGroup
For me, it’s not the type of rest that matters, but the people around me. I choose those with whom I feel comfortable, at peace, engaged, and well-fed. We’ll always have time to catch up on sleep.
Ivan, Head of WWPartners
I don’t really like being alone for long periods, so sports, travel, socializing, and, of course, people!
Ollie, PR Team Lead WWGroup
For me, it’s a combination. The body—sports; the mind—therapy and silence; and emotions—music, concerts, and creativity. I really love the raw energy in both people and moments. That’s what gives me a sense of fulfillment.
Kostya, Creative Director WWGroup
Both, but depending on my mood. Sometimes I want a wild punk concert with moshing in a bare-chested crowd. Sometimes, to travel somewhere and switch gears. What I definitely don’t like is staying home and waking up late. Sleeping until 10:00 and staying home means a wasted day off for me.
Something new outside of work that changed my life
Iryna, Team Lead Recruitment
Floristry. As it turns out, it’s very “me.” It’s about a state of mind: it’s as if you’re not putting together a bouquet, but your own mood. It really slows things down and shifts your focus from your head to your senses.
Hanna Tysh, HRD WWLeads & Head of Recruitment WWGroup
This spring, I want to add more movement to my life; I plan to try dancing and get back into tennis.
Ivan, Head of WWPartners
So far, in my work-life balance, the word “work” often overshadows “life,” and I don’t always have the inspiration or time for anything else. But I’m working on it: I’m learning to find balance and gradually build it to suit myself.
Ollie, PR Team Lead WWGroup
Lately, I’ve been diving deeper into slow, hands-on activities—clay modeling, building with LEGO. These are very meditative processes that help me slow down and switch off from the constant stream of thoughts. And yes, I’ve even started doing crossword puzzles. They bring more calm to the rhythm of life.
Kostya, Creative Director WWGroup
I did, I started renovating. It added even more stress, not energy.
Are you able to stop thinking about work while you’re resting?
Iryna, Team Lead Recruitment
In the past, no, I lived and breathed work 24/7. Now, I consciously set boundaries. Because without that, you burn out very quickly. That’s why in the evenings and on weekends, I don’t log into work chats and don’t respond to candidates. The world won’t end, and I’ll save my energy
Hanna Tysh, HRD WWLeads & Head of Recruitment WWGroup
I try to disconnect, but in my role, that’s not always possible. I have a responsibility to the team, so I’m practically always available. At some point, I just accepted that this is part of my life. And instead of running away from it, I’ve learned to balance work and rest so I don’t lose myself.
Ivan, Head of WWPartners
Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to switch off completely: chats don’t stop even on weekends, and new thoughts and ideas about what else needs to be done or reviewed are constantly popping up. Even my dreams are often tied to work. So I’m hardly a role model in this “wheel of samsara.” But in the end, to each their own.
Ollie, PR Team Lead WWGroup
It’s not always possible to completely “switch off,” and that’s okay. But I’m learning to consciously shift my focus: through my body, hobbies, silence, or music. Therapy helps a lot with this—it gives you the tools to avoid getting stuck in work-related thoughts and to return to the present moment.
Kostya, Creative Director WWGroup
I haven’t managed to yet, because I haven’t taken a vacation. It feels like everything will stop without you in the moment, but that’s a selfish and mistaken thought, so you have to work on yourself and learn to rest during the time set aside for it.