Worklife Balance by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC
Creating a work-life balance is one of those phrases we hear all the time, not only from psychologists and psychiatrists but increasingly also from the general public. Yet it often still feels a bit elusive or even like a moving target.
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for balancing your job and your personal life. What matters most is finding a balance that feels right for you, one that lets you thrive and feel comfortable – both at work and outside of it.
At its core, a work-life balance is about creating space for those things that matter beyond your job – whether that’s family, hobbies, friends, or simply time off to recharge your batteries.
Finding this balance does not mean splitting your time 50/50 between the two, or sticking to a very strict schedule. It’s more about being in tune with your own needs and priorities and adjusting as life shifts.
For some people, work might take up a bigger chunk of their time during busy seasons, and that’s okay – as long as they can swing the pendulum back when things calm down without feeling guilty or under pressure.
For others, keeping their evenings and weekends open for themselves and their family and friends is non-negotiable. They simply build their workdays around that – and there is nothing inherently wrong with such an approach. The key is being honest with yourself about what you need to feel fulfilled and energized.
One of the biggest challenges to creating an effective work-life balance is how easy it often is to allow work to creep into your personal time. This is particularly true in an era where smartphones and laptops are making us reachable 24/7.
It’s often very tempting to answer just one more email or finish just one more task while you are at home. Over time, however, this gradual blurring of boundaries can lead to burnout and stress. This is where setting clear boundaries – whether it’s not checking work messages after a certain hour or dedicating certain days to family or hobbies – helps to protect your personal space and mental health.
Another important part of a functional work-life balance is to understand that your definition of success doesn’t have to be all about career achievements. Success can also mean having time to cook dinner with your kids, pursuing a project about which you feel passionate, or simply having the energy to unwind at the end of the day. When you honour those personal goals alongside your professional ones, you help to create a more satisfying life.
The bottom line is to keep in mind that a work-life balance is not a destination but an ongoing, ever-changing process. Life changes, jobs change, and so will your priorities. The secret is to regularly check in with yourself and make adjustments wherever needed. Sometimes that will mean saying no to extra work, other times asking for support or delegating tasks.