The ability to successfully balance work and life is a very common social challenge of the century.

We see more and more people having bore-outs and burnouts because of this imbalance. When you check the news, it is not a surprise anymore to read about thousands of people quiet quitting their jobs, basically doing the bare minimum at the workplace instead of trying to find another (better) option.

Employers are also starting to realise the importance of this balance. They advertise their flexible working hours. They guarantee to provide autonomy in the way the workers can get things done.

Although some work places are actually quite successful at doing these, this is not the reality for the majority of companies.

Two different roles for two different domains

To have a sustainable balance between work and life (let’s call these two as domains), you first need to imagine that you have two different roles. One role for work and one for outside of work.

Honestly, this can be quite difficult. Especially if you have a demanding job. Maybe you are new to a company and feel like you need to prove yourself by working extra hard. Or maybe you have a certain situation in your life, e.g. a health issue or caring responsibilities that might affect your performance at work.

It is tough to prescribe a one-fits-all solution to find this balance. But, here are some tips that might be useful.

So what can I exactly do to maintain this balance?

1. Create boundaries for both your home and work roles

Not having the right boundaries in place is one of the main reasons why people burn out.

Healthy boundaries mean a clear distinction between your work and outside of work. These boundaries can be both physical, e.g. having a separate room to work, or symbolic habits, like going on a walk every time you close your computer at the end of the day.

Only then are you able to maintain your energy and feel in control of these boundaries, enabling you to switch between domains whenever you need.

2. Be more transparent with your colleagues and family members

In addition to being in control of your boundaries, it is also essential that you communicate your needs in both areas. That means both with your colleagues/managers and your family/friends.

Being transparent and letting others know about your responsibilities and needs will facilitate your transition from one domain to the other. It is because you set more clear expectations and prevent people to make false assumptions of you in either domain.

3. Identify your energy boosters and energy drainers

We all have certain activities and tasks that energise us and others that drain our energy. These are called energy boosters and drainers.

Once you identify these activities, make sure to allocate enough time to your boosters on a day-to-day basis and delegate or minimise the drainers that drain you. Here are some examples of energy boosters and drainers:

Energy Boosters:

• Exercise

• Spending time in nature

• Drinking a cup of coffee with your favourite song playing

• Night out with friends

• Tidying up the house

Energy Drainers:

• People complaining

• Back-to-back meetings

• An ambigious task with no clear direction

• People who only talk about themselves

• Last minute super urgent requests from your manager

Takeaway

Our ability to balance our work and life is essential for our well-being and mental health.

Remember that work-life balance is not achieved through a single activity. It is rather like a weighing scale that needs a continuous equilibrium. Don’t forget that it might take some time to find the balance, but keep being mindful until it becomes natural.