16 September 2020

Career experts and life coaches alike agree that if you do not plan personal time into your day, then work will quickly consume all of our time

2:00 Min

“Work-life balance will mean different things to different people because, after all, we all have different life commitments,” says career expert Chris Chancey. There is no one silver bullet – but here are five tips to get you started on the right path.

1 Stick to your boundaries

Commit to putting your devices away during set times – like game night, gym or reading time – and to be present for your personal life. If certain hobbies or activities make you happy, make time for them. For example, if your kids are a priority to you, commit to spending a few hours a week of quality time with them, without interruptions. Your loved ones will be grateful that you are giving them your full, undivided attention.

2 Prioritise health and wellness

Health is wealth. In Ancient Greece, philosophers pondered over the secrets to a prosperous life. The three key secrets were eating well, sleeping well, and having enough leisure time. Prioritising physical, spiritual, and mental health is still relevant in maintaining work-life balance over 2000 years on in the digital world. Follow our guide on mindfulness to start your journey.

3 Start unplugging

Thanks to remote communications technologies, smart working has the benefit of greater flexibility. However, there remains a tug of guilt or fear if we don’t immediately respond to a work email or text message, even outside of work hours. Disconnecting means balancing work activities with things you love, according to a 2019 Forbes article on “Why You Will Be Happier If You Unplug.” Find out more on how to digitally detox here.

4 Remember, it takes two to tango

Both the employer and employee have a part to play in a digital work-life balance, according to an article in The Atlantic. Leadership must try to live a balanced life, and assign realistic workloads, as a role model for employees. On the other hand, employee must establish boundaries and recognise that taking on more work while juggling other tasks is not a balanced approach. Follow our Etiquette  on how to effectively communicate with your boss when you have too much work to do.

5 Proper planning

Harmony between work and personal life comes down to good planning. Sticking to a well-thought plan helps us save time at work, permitting more opportunity to balance our health, wellness, and personal time. Good planning involves categorising commitments, prioritising tasks, and responsible delegation. For more guidance, follow our Five Ways to Gain Time and Manage it Better  article and begin your journey to a more sustainable and prosperous lifestyle.