The walk from the classroom to your car is the most vulnerable part of your day. Without an intentional transition, the stress of the day follows you home like an uninvited guest. As a former school administrator and mental health counselor, I’ve developed the 5-minute 'Bell-to-Door' ritual—a science-backed shutdown routine to help you stimulate your vagus nerve, shed your professional identity, and finally reclaim your evening peace. Stop the 'spillover effect' and return to