The art of balance: 5 ways to create and maintain a healthy work-life balance
In today’s hyperconnected world, the boundary between work and personal life is often blurred. Laptops follow us to the dinner table, notifications appear on our phone late in the evening, and the phrase “I’ll just finish this one thing” has taken over many an evening or weekend.
Workload is frequently cited as the top cause of work-related stress. As April is National Stress Awareness Month, I want to share 5 ways to create and maintain a healthy work-life balance, so you can live and work more happily, healthily and sustainably.
1. Set clear boundaries
The first step in setting clear boundaries is to identify what you need to protect – these are your non-negotiables.
These might include set work hours, no weekend client calls, family dinners without your phone or turning off non-urgent notifications outside work hours.
Saying no is a way of flexing your boundaries. When you say no to something, you are saying yes to something or someone else – whether that be your health, family, another commitment or ability to do your best work.
Here are 3 ways to say no with confidence:
- Be clear and direct: “I am not available for meetings after 6pm.”
- Be honest: “My schedule is full for the next two weeks but I can start the new project after then.”
- Offer solutions: “I am not available on that date but I am available on these dates instead.”
2. Be intentional with your time
It is easy for the day to run away with you or get to the end of the day and realise you have spent the day responding to other peoples’ requests.
Protect deep work time by blocking focus time in your diary or calendar. Reduce distractions, turn off your email and phone notifications to help you stay focused.
Schedule in time for self-care and things that are important to you, whether that be an exercise class, time spent with friends, hobbies or holidays.
Getting outside for fresh air, exercise and a change of scenery does wonders for your physical and mental health. Take regular breaks away from your screen and get away from your desk at lunchtime.
3. Create an end of work ritual
A clear end of work ritual will help you separate work from life and transition into your evening or weekend more easily.
Physically step away from your workspace and do something to signify that you have finished work for the day. This might be going for a run or walk, meeting a friend or preparing the evening meal. This is particularly important when working from home.
Decide on a consistent end time to your workday and treat it like a meeting you cannot miss. Logging off, closing the laptop or shutting down your computer will remove the temptation to check your email or do more work later.
4. Find ways to disconnect from work
Mentally disconnecing from work can be challenging when there is always so much to do!
Use evenings and weekends for hobbies, time to connect with family and friends and for other interests outside of work. This will help you return to work feeling rested and recharged.
Going on holiday and visiting new places helps create distance from work and offers new perspectives, renewed creativity and restored energy.
Practising mindfulness or meditation helps you to feel immersed in the present moment and brings the body and mind back into balance. This can be through singing, dancing, gardening, running, sitting in silence or going for a run – whatever works for you.
5. Check in regularly
Review your work-life balance regularly to see if anything needs changing or adapting.
Have honest conversations with yourself, your colleagues and loved ones about your workload, capacity and wellbeing before things reach a breaking point. Journaling is a wonderful way to reflect and consider what you might need more time and space for.
Creating opportunities to check in with your and your team’s work-life balance and wellbeing helps to make it part of a regular conversation. You could start a meeting or a weekly huddle with an emoji or a sound that expresses how you are feeling.
There are diverse approaches to balancing work and life but evidence consistently shows that well-rested, less-stressed people are happier and more productive in work and outside of work. I hope these 5 ways will help you to create and maintain a healthy work-life balance – whatever that looks like for you.
3 ways I can help you create and maintain a healthy work-life balance:
The Productivity & Wellbeing Programme
A 1-1 transformative coaching programme, designed to help you thrive – personally and professionally.
Productivity & Wellbeing training
Training to help your team or organisation work more effectively, reduce stress and create a healthy work-life balance.
The 4 Pillars of Productivity keynote
Discover how The 4 Pillars of Productivity will help to improve your focus, boost your productivity and nurture your wellbeing.
