What I’ve learned after all these years is that boundaries are what make or break your work–life balance. Without them, work intrudes into your personal time, and you find yourself checking your email at midnight or working in your head while you’re eating dinner. That’s a sure path to burnout.
Set a clear beginning and ending time to work. When you log out, actually log out. No “just a glimpse” emails, no “adjustments” just as you are going to bed. If possible, shut off notifications when work is done. Alert your coworkers and customers to your work times. Some find themselves feeling guilty when they do these things, but trust me—your productivity will increase when you are not pulled so thinly all the time.
Perhaps your work is not respecting boundaries. Perhaps it is time to have a bigger conversation about work culture or another means to protect your time.
Creating a To-Do List That Will Succeed
There are people devoted to bullet journals, and there are people devoted to digital planners. The key is to find one that keeps you organized without weighing you down. I’ve seen students try to put every aspect of their lives on one to-do list and stress over getting all the things done. Reality check: that is not how productivity is done.
Three major things every day. That’s all. Everything else is bonus. This one rule stops me from piling up and makes it simple to get done by evening.
Another trick? Time-blocking. Instead of working off an endless to-do list, assign set times to each item on it. By doing that, you don’t waste time switching between tasks, and you’re focused.
Take Breaks Like They Count
There is more to a break than browsing on the phone. Getting up, moving around, or just closing your eyes for a few minutes is what a break is all about.
I once believed breaks were a waste of time. When I had a ton to do, I’d work through lunch or simply keep going even when I was exhausted. Ironically, it only made things worse. Try working with a fried brain? Not so much fun.
Taking breaks every so often—5 or 10 minutes—restores your focus. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of break) is pure magic if you have trouble breaking away.
Use Social Media to Connect, Not to Distract
Social media is a trickster—it will bring you closer to people or pull you under into an abyss of doom-scrolling. The key? Intentional use.
Rather than mindless scrolling, utilize your Instagram profile to share moments with friends and family. That way, social media is a tool of togetherness, not a path for distraction.
I’ve had students mention they use social media to “take a break” and an hour later they have no idea how much time they have spent. If that is you, put time limits on. There are also warnings embedded in most apps to let you know if you’ve been on them too long. Take advantage of them.
Flexible Work Arrangements? Take Advantage
Benefit if your employer allows remote working or flexibility within work timing. I’ve had one student, to give an example, have an adjusted starting time to allow her to exercise in the morning.
If you are able to restructure your schedule around your body’s natural rhythm, do so. Some people are most productive in the morning, and others find they do their best work during the afternoon. The beauty of flexible work is that you can realign your schedule so as to do your best work.
Make Time for Those Things That Bring You Joy
Jobs cover bills, but hobbies keep one sane. I used to let work run the show, forever believing I would get to the things “later.” Catch: later never came—until I put priorities first.
No matter what it is—video games, painting, hiking—carve out time to do so. If all you can do is 30 minutes a couple of times a week, it makes a difference. To have something to anticipate besides work keeps you grounded.
Don’t Just Be Present in Body—Be Present
Dined out with friends but spent the whole night crafting emails in my head. Guilty.
Physical presence is not sufficient—you have to be with whomever you are with. That is, put the phone down, listen, and be present. Friendships will dissolve if work intrudes into every single conversation.
Take Care of Your Body (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
I’m not here to sermonize on workouts, but working out helps. If it is a walk, stretch, or dancing around the house as if no one is there, just do it.
And sleep? Absolutely not negotiable. I used to work late into the evening under the illusion I was getting work accomplished, but the morning would swear otherwise. If you consistently get less than 6 hours, your brain isn’t performing to full potential.
Make Technology Work to Your Advantage, Not Against You
Apps are lifesavers—reminders to do tasks, calendar reminders, even concentration timers. They can also be distracting, though.
Turn on “Do Not Disturb” on your phone if you must concentrate deeply. Turn on email auto-responders if you’ll be away from the office. Control your notifications—is a ping really needed every time a post is liked?
Adjust as You Go
Work–life balance isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it proposition—it’s something you tweak constantly. Life changes, priorities shift, and what worked last year might not be working this year.
Take daily stock. When things don’t feel just so, change. Perfection is not what’s required—aworkable, enduring balance is.
FAQs
What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to balance work and life?
They try to do everything. Balance doesn’t mean cramming work, social life, fitness, hobbies, and self-care into a perfect schedule. It means knowing what matters most to you and making time for it.
How do I stop feeling guilty for taking breaks?
Remind yourself that breaks make you more productive, not less. Think of them as an investment in better work, not time wasted. If you’re still struggling, start small—take just five minutes and build from there.
Can work–life balance exist in a high-pressure job?
Absolutely. Even in demanding jobs, small habits—like setting limits on after-hours emails or making time for personal activities—make a difference. Balance isn’t about having a stress-free job; it’s about managing stress in a way that doesn’t take over your life.