Defining Work-Life Balance: Your Path to Well-Being

One of the top things that my clients say they want is work-life balance. This phrase has turned into a buzzword with everyone running after this elusive goal, but what does it really mean? More importantly, how can you define what work-life balance means to you and how do you establish boundaries to maintain it? Let’s dig in…

What Is Work-Life Balance?

This concept of work-life balance is this mystical equilibrium between your professional and personal life. The goal is to allocate an appropriate amount of time and energy to work, family, and personal pursuits in a way that feels satisfying and fulfilling. Achieving this balance is vital for your overall well-being, impacting everything from stress to happiness and even your physical and mental health.

However, work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It rarely is 50/50 and it varies from person to person and can change over time. That's why it is so important to define what work-life balance means to you. So, how do we do this?

Step 1: Self-Reflection

To begin, we are going to start with some self-reflection. Take some time to consider these questions. You can journal about them, meditate on them, or record your answer on a voice note. Whatever works for you. They are meant to help you gain clarity about your values, priorities, and goals.

• What are your core values? What truly matters to you in life? Is it family, career, personal growth, health, or something else?

• What are your short-term and long-term goals? Where do you want to be in one year, five years, or even a decade from now?

• What are your priorities? Make a list of the things you consider most important. This could include family time, career advancement, hobbies, or personal health.

• What makes you happy and fulfilled? Identify the activities and experiences that bring you the most joy and satisfaction.

• How do you want to feel at the end of each day? Imagine your ideal state of mind when you wrap up your day. Is it a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, or connection with loved ones?

Step 2: Set Clear Boundaries

Now that we’ve gained insight into your values and priorities, the next step is setting clear boundaries to maintain your work-life balance. This might be a little challenging and will require day-after-day commitment, but here are some tips to be effective:

1. Define Your Schedule

Do you work a traditional 9-5 job or are you more flexible with a WFH situation or flexible hours? When do you want/need to start your day? What is an appropriate time to end your day? Can you schedule a designated lunch break? By knowing when your workday begins and ends is critical for creating a clear boundary between work and personal life.

2. Create a Designated Workspace

If you work from home either full-time or part-time, you need to create a dedicated workspace. While it might not always look like a traditional office, carving out a separate area for work can help you better transition into and out of your work, thus enhancing your work-life balance. Now, I get it, this one is hard for me too but this could look like a specific chair at your dining room table that if you are at it, is your office!

3. Communicate Your Boundaries

Effective communication is key to maintaining work-life balance. If you don’t communicate your boundaries, no one will know so, you have to speak up! Make sure your coworkers, boss, and even family members are aware of your boundaries. If your job isn’t about saving lives, there is no life-or-death reason you need to answer calls or emails at 10 p.m. Let others know that you will only be available during your defined scheduled hours.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is so important, both in life in general and in achieving work-life balance. Remember the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?” Well, that applies here. Schedule time for activities that you love to do. This might look like taking an exercise class or curling up with a book (my favorite). Whatever it may be, prioritizing this time ensures you have the physical and emotional energy to dedicate to both your personal life and your work life.

5. Set Technology Boundaries

In the month of October, I did a technology audit and detox. I monitored how much I was on my phone (it was VERY eye-opening, to say the least) and then implemented a detox plan where I put my phone away. While technology is a powerful tool, it can also blur the lines between work and personal life. Take some time to determine how and when you'll use technology for work-related tasks and when to disconnect. Turning off work-related notifications during non-working hours can be a game-changer.

6. Learn to Say 'No'

Oomph, this one is tough. As a self-proclaimed people pleaser, saying 'no' can be challenging. And I definitely get how you might feel saying no to your boss. But I’ve learned over the years how important it is to set limits and decline additional work or commitments when you feel they will impact your boundaries. Even if it’s saying to your boss, “I am currently working on XYZ project and I feel taking on more might impact the quality of both projects.” If your boss is a good boss, they will understand.  

7. Regularly Review and Adjust

Work-life balance is not a static concept; it evolves as your life and work changes.  Take some time regularly to review your boundaries and priorities and adjust them as needed.

Step 3: Monitor and Adjust

Defining work-life balance and setting boundaries is just the beginning. It's essential to monitor your progress and adjust when necessary. Here are some tips for ongoing maintenance:

• Track Your Time: Keep a journal of how you spend your time for a week or two. This can reveal any imbalances between work and personal life.

• Assess Your Satisfaction: Regularly assess how satisfied you are with your work-life balance. If you feel that it's shifting to a dark and negative place, act. Now.

• Seek Support: If you're struggling to maintain your boundaries or achieve your desired balance, consider seeking support. Personally, I have a therapist that helps me but you can also seek out support from a mentor, coach, or even an accountability buddy.

• Celebrate Your Success: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This can motivate you to continue your efforts.

Defining what work-life balance means to you and creating boundaries to achieve it is not an easy process but if you take the time to be aware of what you need and set and communicate your boundaries, you will get there! Remember that work-life balance is a personal journey, and you have the power to define it on your terms.