Work-life balance: practical tips for a harmonious life

The blurred boundaries between work and personal life, between work and play or between leisure and business is one of the characteristics of modern life, dominated by intrusive and addictive technology which makes work easier but never ends it. We can work from anywhere and in any time zone and, in theory, we are always available and easy to find, even geolocate.

Rebalancing our time and protecting our rest hours is essential for mental health and life satisfaction. The pursuit of a harmonious life involves the ability to manage work demands without compromising the time and energy devoted to one’s personal life.

The first thing to do is to establish clear boundaries between our work and personal life. Something as simple as putting in the email signature the times at which emails are answered is an effective strategy to manage the expectations of those who may be expecting an immediate response. Set specific working hours and respect them. Limit the time spent on work activities and reserve exclusive moments and quality time for family, friends and personal activities.

Not everything is equally urgent or equally important. This must be recorded in the brain and we must learn to prioritise. Some things can’t wait but many things can. Establish an order, focus on the essentials and don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by an endless list of things “which needed to be done yesterday”. Learn to say no and organise your work depending on the real priority of tasks.

You are not indispensable so learn to delegate responsibilities at work and at home. Don’t fall into the trap of perfectionism and learn that perfection is the enemy of what is possible. Sharing responsibilities will not only lighten your mental load but also provide opportunities for others to take on important roles.

Disconnecting from technology is essential to free ourselves from that sense of urgency artificially constructed by algorithms. Set specific times to disconnect digitally and avoid checking emails and messages outside working hours. Not only will you reduce stress but you will also be able to fully enjoy your personal time. This time will have been set aside for you beforehand, to do activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s sports, reading a book or enjoying nature, spending quality time on your personal passions is essential to maintaining balance.

“No” is a short but very important word. Learning to say it is an assertive way of regaining control over your time and being realistic, as you recognise your limits and avoid accepting additional responsibilities, while at the same time setting limits to the expectations of others. Encouraging clarity and open communication with both your superiors and subordinates will help you avoid misunderstandings.

Finally, establish healthy routines to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Exercise, take care of your diet, rest and get enough sleep. Nobody wants to work with a workaholic. That’s very 20th century. Balanced people with a good professional career, but a much better and richer personal life, are now the norm.