No Need For ‘Severance’: How Microdosing Helps Us Restore Our Work/Life Balance

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Don’t live to work. Work to live.” But what if that boundary between work and life could be surgically enforced? That’s the eerie premise behind the highly popular Apple TV+ sci-fi series “Severance,” where employees voluntarily undergo a brain procedure that splits their work and personal memories. At the office, they’re one person; at home, another. No crossover, no stress — or so it seems.

While this fictional world is extreme (and chilling), it strikes a nerve. The appeal of flipping a switch to forget about work altogether? Honestly, it’s tempting. Especially when stress, burnout, and blurred boundaries are just part of daily life for so many of us.

When Work/Life Balance Feels Like a Sci-Fi Fantasy

According to a small, (unscientific) survey by People Managing People, 68% of respondents said they’d consider being “severed” — if the salary was high enough. Most said it’d take over half a million dollars to go under the knife, but nearly 9% would do it for $200,000 or less.

Sure, the survey isn’t scientific, but it reflects something very real: our relationship with work is out of balance.

People are understandably anxious about their finances, and resent how much work stress takes over their life. This is exacerbated by low job security, expensive housing, and pressure that never stops — especially when work apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams make employees feel they always have to be ‘on’.

Often, the root cause is a lack of control — over our time, our schedules, and even our goals. A 2016 study found that most people didn’t crave power over others, but simply more autonomy in how they work. That freedom can make a world of difference in how we experience stress.

So no, you don’t need to split your brain in two. But you can start building better habits that help you feel more human — at work and beyond.

Everyday Tips to Reclaim Your Work/Life Balance

Here are some practical ways to create separation between your “work self” and your “real-life self” — no surgery required.

1. Create an end-of-day ritual

Just like the ominous elevator in Severance that turns “outies” into “innies,” you can create a ritual that marks your own transition from work to rest. Whether it’s closing your laptop, changing into comfy clothes, sitting for a moment in the sun, or doing a quick skincare routine, make it something you enjoy.

Once you have checked off what you can from your to-do list, and written your ‘tomorrow self’ a little plan for the next day, carry out one of these little finishing rituals. Something cleansing, rather than mindless scrolling can really help your brain to switch out of work-mode.

Even five to twenty minutes of a deliberate wind-down can make your evening feel like it truly belongs to you.

2. Use tech boundaries to stay in “outie” mode

Your phone’s notifications are like little “innies” trying to claw their way into your downtime. Set boundaries using built-in features like Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb to pause work alerts after hours.

Another suggestion is setting a firm end time for your workday — and sticking to it. Try putting up an out-of-office reply overnight. It telegraphs to others (and yourself) that this time is for you.

3. Don’t beat yourself up when work thoughts sneak in

Even with solid boundaries, your brain might still spiral about that awkward meeting or looming deadline. That’s totally normal.

Instead of trying to shove those thoughts away, try acknowledging them with kindness. Think: “It’s OK that I’m still worried about that presentation. I care about doing well, and I’ll handle it when the time comes.”

Being gentle with yourself helps you let go — so you can actually enjoy your free time, recharge, and return to work more resilient.

No Need For ‘Severance’: How Microdosing Helps Us Restore Our Work/Life Balance

Now, here’s where things get a bit more modern and interesting. While creating structure and boundaries is critical, some people are turning to microdosing psilocybin — taking tiny, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic mushrooms — as a tool for enhancing focus, mood, and yes, even work-life balance.

Here’s how it might help:

• Improved mental clarity and presence: Microdosing doesn’t cause hallucinations, but many users report feeling more in tune with their thoughts and surroundings. This heightened awareness can make it easier to notice when you’re slipping into work-mode during off hours — and redirect yourself.

• Reduced anxiety and emotional reactivity: Research and anecdotal reports suggest microdosing can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially the kind triggered by work. This can create more emotional space between your job and your identity.

• Greater sense of flow: People often say microdosing helps them get into a “flow state” — where work feels more intuitive and less draining. That can lead to more efficient, satisfying workdays, and fewer stress hangovers bleeding into your nights.

• Support for intentional living: Perhaps most powerfully, many who microdose say it encourages a broader shift in perspective. Instead of just reacting to emails and deadlines, they start asking deeper questions like: Does this work fulfill me? Am I taking care of myself? That reflection can be the first step to real change.

You Still Have the Power to Choose

In Severance, the “innies” never get to rest. They never sleep, never leave, and never know freedom (no spoilers here!). Thankfully, in the real world, we’re not there. We still have agency — even if work sometimes makes it feel otherwise.

You don’t need a chip in your brain. You just need permission (from yourself) to reclaim your time, protect your peace, and reimagine how you engage with your work.

Because life doesn’t start after work. It’s happening now.