Creating an Effective Work-Life Balance

As the remote-work model becomes increasingly popular, it’s harder than ever to set healthy boundaries and establish a good work-life balance – and the same is true when you’re working on online classes. Whether you’re trying to fit in a load of laundry between work meetings or studying for an exam while you make dinner, it can be stressful to juggle it all. Setting boundaries is key to being productive, building healthy relationships, and doing exceptional work. Here are some tips for creating an effective work-life balance by establishing wise boundaries:

Set clear hours of availability.
Before remote work became commonplace, it was easier to separate your work life from your personal life. You simply powered down your computer and headed home when your work was done. Today, especially if you’re working from home, it’s harder to draw a clear line. It’s 5:30 p.m., but you have a few emails to send or some projects to review – and before you know it, it’s 7:00 p.m. To remind yourself when it’s time to stop working or studying, set an alarm that notifies you when you need to call it a day.

If you make yourself available at all hours, your co-workers will get used to engaging with you whenever they need you. This can create unhealthy demands on your time. Establishing set times of accessibility (e.g., 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) shows your team that you care about your work, but it also allows you to protect your work-life balance.

(Pro Tip: When you set these boundaries, hold yourself accountable, too. Power down your laptop and leave it in your office, where you won’t be tempted to “just check something” after your day is done.)

Make time for uninterrupted work.
One of the greatest barriers to setting boundaries is distractions that keep you from being productive. If you have something specific you want to accomplish before your day ends, you’ll feel like you can’t stop working until it’s finished – even if that means working past your set end time.

To eliminate distractions, block out segments of your calendar for uninterrupted work time. If you typically engage with colleagues on a messaging system like Slack, change your status so people know you’re unavailable. Put in headphones, make yourself a snack, and retire to a place where you can get uninterrupted privacy. If you need a change of scenery to help you focus, go to a place that won’t distract you, such as a coworking space or the local library. 

Eliminate mobile access to work communication.
If you have your work/school email or Slack app on your phone, now is the time to delete it. Everything you need is accessible from your computer – and you can open it when your workday starts. When you have work-related apps on your phone, you can never fully disengage from your work. Constant access to updates, requests, and news can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Protecting your work-life balance means giving your life some room to breathe.

(Pro Tip: If you’re not quite ready to delete those apps, start by turning off your notifications. Keep your work responsibilities out of sight and out of mind, and work your way up to fully removing them from your phone.)

Take daily, structured breaks.
It might seem counterproductive to stop working while you’re on the clock – but one study found that the average worker is only productive for three hours during an average day. It’s not possible to be laser-focused for eight hours straight. Instead, clear your mind by setting regular alarms that remind you to step away from your work and reset.

Remember, a break doesn’t just involve scrolling through social media or chatting with a colleague. Be intentional about setting a specific time for your breaks and filling that time with something refreshing. You might go on a walk around your neighborhood, sit down for lunch (with your phone and laptop out of reach), or even unwind for 15-20 minutes by listening to music.

Say no – liberally.
If someone asks you to compromise on any of the boundaries you’ve set, don’t be afraid to push back. If you say yes to everything, you won’t be able to balance it all – and both your personal and professional spheres will suffer. Set firm boundaries with your colleagues and family to maintain a healthy balance of responsibilities.

Setting boundaries isn’t just for you; it will also improve the lives of people around you because you’ll be more engaged in your work and your personal responsibilities. Establishing a healthy work-life balance will help you become the best version of yourself. 

Need some help getting motivated to make positive changes? Read this article on maintaining motivation.