Without the Fluff

Balancing work and personal life can be tough in today’s fast-paced world. But, with the right strategies and mindset, you can find that balance many dream of. So, what are the key ingredients to unlocking this coveted state of equilibrium?

Setting Realistic Boundaries

Keeping a good balance between work and life is key, especially with remote work. It’s important to set clear lines between work and personal life. By managing your time well and saying no when needed, you can prevent burnout. This way, you make sure you have enough time to relax and enjoy your weekends.

Prioritize Your Commitments

Look closely at your schedule and figure out what’s really important. Sort tasks by how crucial they are. Be honest with yourself about what you can do without getting overwhelmed. Then, let go of tasks that aren’t essential. This will give you more time for what’s truly important.

Learn to Say No

Saying no can be hard, but it’s key to a good work-life balance. When someone asks for something new, think about if it fits with your priorities and if you can handle it. Don’t hesitate to say no to tasks that will make you too busy. Saying no helps you protect your well-being and stay productive.

Tips for High Achievers & Remote Workers

The rise of remote work has the potential but does not always translate to a better work life balance. If you are a high achiever and/or a remote worker, set some guidelines for your typical work behaviors.

• Create a separate and designated work space (independent from other areas of your home)
• Set “cut-off” times – for example, you do not use your work computer or phone after 6 PM and before 6 AM
• Plan your outfits and meal options (click here to view hundreds of free meal plans with shopping lists) accordingly to reduce frustration and indecision.
• Often seek opportunities to get out of the home (e.g., in between meetings – work at a local coffee shop)
• Professionally communicate your boundaries and commitments with your coworkers or boss
• Create reminders or alarms on your phone to reduce the tendency to overwork yourself (e.g., a reminder goes off at 6 PM stating “Can this be done tomorrow?”)
• View work as a means to accomplish your larger goals (or a “side quest”)

Identify Your Peak Productivity Hours for Other Tasks

Try out different times to see when you’re most productive. Work on your biggest tasks during these times to get the most done.

• Recognize how you feel when you are cleaning, doing errands, or in between meetings.
• Try gamifying your tasks (click here for more information)
• Use software (e.g., Notion, Google Calendar, Trello, Todoist, etc.) to assist your planning.
• Key – you don’t need to constantly fill your time. You can only do so much!

Schedule Weekend Plans or Small Adventures

Weekends are perfect for stepping back, turning off your devices, and doing things that make you feel alive. You could go on a trip to a beautiful place, relax at a spa, or just chill at home – but importantly, you need something to look forward to and reward yourself with each week!

• Explore new places and create new experiences within your city or community (e.g., town events, farmers market, trying a new restaurant, visiting a new store, etc.)
• Engage in outdoor activities (visit a park, go bike riding, participate in an outdoor yoga session, etc.)
• Exercise – exercise is known to reduce stress but doesn’t need to be rigorous!
• Indulge in relaxing activities like reading, meditation, or spending time with loved ones

By making these weekend breaks a priority, you’ll come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to face new challenges.

Some videos that may be of interest to you:

Cultivating Hobbies and Interests

Engaging in hobbies and personal interests (new and old) can greatly improve work-life balance.

• Crafts, sports, video games

• Bird watching (e.g., track your sightings with a bird sticker book), photography, cooking, gardening

• Dog walking, thrift shopping, sightseeing, and more!

These activities let you escape daily tasks and find fulfillment.

Being part of a community of people with similar interests is great for feeling connected and valued. Joining a club, helping out, or going to workshops can connect you with others who like what you do.

• This can also include virtual communities on social media (e.g., Discord, Reddit, GroupMe, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more).

Building a Strong Support System

It’s important to connect with your community, friends, family, and those who care about you!

Connect with Your Community

Being part of your community can give you support and friends. Here are ways to make connections:

• Go to local events or join a group that matches your interests.
• Help out with a cause you care about to meet new people.
• Participate in festivals, sports (or sports lessons), or outdoor fun.
• If you do side hustles, reach out to individuals who are also involved in those areas.

Reminders for Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for a healthy balance. Use reminders to remember to take time for yourself:

1. Take breaks and use breathing techniques or cognitive methods (e.g., CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches) to stay in the moment during stressful or busy times.
2. Make time for exercise or mindfulness to keep your mind and body healthy (if you feel comfortable, try exercising with a group or friends)
3. Set aside time for hobbies, family, or just relaxing (it sounds easy but oftentimes we push aside those things to do later)

With a strong support network and regular self-care, you can lead a more balanced and happy life.

Helpful Guides & Advice 

One book that shifted my perspective on life and my long-term goals was Adam Grants‘ “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World.” (click here to view)

• A book I read in a college sociology course that I consistently think about as I navigate my career post-grad.

Additional Recommendations:

• Mindfulness: “Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations…” by Matthew Sockolov (click here to view)
• Strategies: “Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals…” by Nick Trenton (click here to view)
• Reconnecting with nature: “Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature” by Rachel Williams & Freya Hartas (click here to view)
• Gamification: “Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards” by Yu-kai Chou (click here to view)

Recommendation with Research-backed Evidence for Motivation:

• New in 2024: “Motivational Myth Busters: Science-Based Strategies to Boost Motivation in Yourself and Others” by Wendy Grolnick, Benjamin Heddy, and Frank Worrell (click here to view)

Or instead, create your own guide on how you would like to accomplish your goals.

It may be difficult to imagine how the future will look, but consider:

• Am I working a fulfilling career?
• Have I traveled to places I have aspired to?
• Am I open to change? Am I in control?
• Do others respect my boundaries? If not, have I communicated those boundaries?
• Should I plan to retire early?
• Do I want to pursue an education (or advanced education)?
• What can I do differently to adjust my workload?
• Do I consider myself my own best friend?
• What motivates me each day?

Let your answers to these questions shape how you plan your next steps or ideal future. You can also do this with a friend or loved one for accountability.

Don’t dwell on the specifics (e.g., a specific job or event) but I recommend writing all your ideas down and turning each idea into a workable goal (for inspiration & tips, see this article). Set timelines as well. A typical approach involves creating S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I wish you all the best with your future career and personal endeavors!

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