Sample tasks
- Clear top-priority tabs
- Write tomorrow's first step
- Close inbox
- Set work mode off
- Quick energy check
Routine templates
Work shutdown template
A work shutdown template helps the day end on purpose instead of leaking into the evening. The best version is short, concrete, and easy to repeat even when your brain is already done.
Good for
- People who struggle to transition out of work
- Remote workers who need a visible end-of-day cue
- Reducing next-day startup friction
Shutdown routines should be shorter than people expect
A useful work shutdown template is usually five minutes long, not twenty. Keep only the tasks that meaningfully reduce the cost of starting again tomorrow.
Include one setup task for tomorrow
Writing the first next step is often the highest-value part of the routine. It lowers activation energy when you come back to work.
Treat shutdown as a recurring reset, not a perfect ritual
Cadence is helpful here because the routine resets cleanly. Missing one workday does not break the whole pattern or add emotional weight to the next one.
FAQ
Common questions.
Should a work shutdown routine include personal tasks too?
Usually no. Keep it focused on closing work and preparing the next entry point.
Can I use a rating in a shutdown routine?
Yes. A quick energy or stress rating can help you spot patterns without creating a heavy journal habit.
Related pages
Keep moving through the intent map.
Tracker guides
Energy tracker
Use Cadence as an energy tracker for quick recurring check-ins around focus, fatigue, and daily capacity.
Tracker guides
ADHD routine tracker
A practical guide to using Cadence as an ADHD routine tracker for recurring tasks without streaks or guilt.
Practical guides
ADHD-friendly routine app
What makes an ADHD-friendly routine app actually usable, and how Cadence approaches the problem.
Cadence comparisons
Cadence vs Amazing Marvin
Compare Cadence and Amazing Marvin for recurring tasks, ADHD workflows, customization, and setup friction.