What are some effective ways to balance your work and personal life?

If you think you're here and there, you are nowhere. As a professional juggling multiple responsibilities, I've learned that being physically present doesn't equate to being mentally there. I used to try multitasking during my daughter's piano recital, only to realize I was missing out on both work and life's precious moments. Now, I adhere to a strict schedule with dedicated 'buffer times' around meetings for thoughtful reflection. When traveling, my phone stays locked away, ensuring I'm fully engaged with the moment at hand. This discipline in presence isn't just for personal benefit—it's a powerful example for my children, showing that what we preach online aligns with how we act offline. Strive to be present; it's the key to balance.

In my opinion: Lack of planning for personal commitment (Life commitment) result in poor Work Life Balance. Professional work gets (naturally) planned, but Life priorities are not planned with similar rigor. Deliberate attempt to set personal priority is key to enable WorkLife balance.

As a women in a leadership role, yet also a mother of two, setting boundaries in my schedule was essential. It was absolutely not easy at first, but consistency made it easy over time. My non-miss objective was dinner with my family - a commitment I've made 8 years ago, and I rarely miss it without a good excuse (like business trips or selected business events). I regularly meet women who are struggling with setting healthy boundaries for their work, for fear to be judged. The way out? normalize leaving the office as per standard office hours, to pick up kids or prep dinner, which, in most cases, falls into mothers' territory. And there is a need for women in leadership to be the first ones to role model it withing their organizations.

In my experience, injecting intentional rest into my day during work or play is critical to supporting the ebb and flow of life. Balance is something that comes and goes, it cannot be achieved all the time or set in stone even with the best intentions. Intentional or proactive rest can be making all your meetings start 5-10 mins into the hour, to give you that breathing space in between meetings, have a meeting free day in the week or even turning your camera off zoom or picking up the phone instead every now and then naturally rests your eyes. What I've learnt is no-one will give permission, you have to take it and own it.

To maintain work and personal life balance, we must set clear boundaries such as work hours per day. Within work hours, setting a timetable for various activities, such as checking emails, writing projects, meeting with collaborators, etc., can be extremely helpful. Prioritizing different activities based on their importance can also help maintain the balance. For prioritization of different activities, flexibility is needed. Sometimes, we may have a workload and a due date approaching soon. In such cases, we must be flexible with our work and personal life boundaries and adjust our schedule accordingly. #worklifebalance

Here is a simple guide that everyone can tailor according to their schedule: - Triage your tasks - Block your time - Stay focused - Avoid distractions - No work past 6pm

Don't do all the work yourself. Learn to delegate and distribute tasks to the team. This way, no one gets overwhelmed. A valuable tip is to know the skills and competencies of all team members to be able to divide tasks more effectively.

To prioritize and delegate effectively: 1. Identify Priorities: Determine the most important and urgent tasks. 2. Create Task Lists: Use tools like calendars or apps to organize tasks. 3. Set Deadlines: Assign deadlines to tasks to manage your time efficiently. 4. Delegate Wisely: Trust colleagues or assistants to handle tasks that can be outsourced. 5. Communication: Clearly communicate expectations and responsibilities when delegating. By following these steps, you can focus on critical tasks, improve productivity, and create more time for your personal life.

Things that really worked for me is to analyse (e.g. Eiswnhower's Matrix) then plan, plan, plan and execute accordingly. Secondly, build a team, trust them and delegate tasks to them with authority. Let people help you through the processes as a team so every one can participate and enjoy the success.

Have productive hobbies that align with your goals. Pursue activities that enrich your skills, knowledge, or creativity. For example, you can learn a new language, take an online course, or start a blog. These hobbies can also help you network and advance your career.

Predictably is often underestimated on this. If you can work to a predictable pattern with predictable boundaries it’s surprising how quickly colleagues and clients get used to it and accept it.

To effectively communicate and negotiate for work-life balance: ?? Express Needs: Clearly communicate your needs and expectations with both work and personal contacts. ?? Listen Actively: Pay attention to their needs and expectations. ?? Be Open: Be open to negotiation and compromise. ?? Request Flexibility: Negotiate for flexible work arrangements with your employer. ?? Share Responsibilities: Communicate with your family or household members to divide responsibilities. ?? Set Boundaries: Define personal time and work time to maintain balance. By honing these skills, you can cultivate understanding and cooperation in both your professional and personal life, achieving a healthier balance.

When it comes to communication and negotiation, the best pro tip is to listen actively. Understanding the other party's perspective helps build trust and rapport, enabling you to find common ground and reach mutually beneficial solutions.

To juggle work and personal life, talk openly with your work team about flexible options. Negotiate remote work or adjusted hours. At home, communicate with family about sharing responsibilities like chores and childcare. Simple conversations and compromises pave the way for a balanced and happy life on both fronts.

In my experience blocking out your time is really important to set boundaries to ensure that you do not go overtime. Also nights and weekends are sacred and should absolutely be reserved for friends and family, and personal tasks at home which can easily fall to the wayside when we are working at a breakneck speed in the startup space. It is one thing to be committed to your work it is another thing to sacrifice your personal life just for work.

The Art of Saying "NO". There is a rule called 80:20, 20% of the workforce do 80% of the work and 80% of those do 20% of the work. So the first 20% say "NO" to more work, the work-life will be balanced. Mostly the first 20% of those voluntarily come forward to work. If they start saying NO for extra work, the workplace is a fruitful place and hence work and life will be balanced.

Balancing work and personal life is essential for overall well-being. To manage stress, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga. Engage in physical activities such as walking or jogging, and seek support from family, friends, or professionals. Join communities aligned with your interests for added social support. Balancing work and personal life is achievable through effective stress management.

To balance work and personal life effectively, prioritize tasks, establish boundaries, and make time for activities you enjoy. Create a realistic schedule, delegate tasks, and communicate openly with your team. Engage in regular exercise, practice mindfulness, and maintain a healthy diet to manage stress effectively. Additionally, fostering a supportive network and allocating time for self-care are essential in achieving a harmonious work-life balance.

Rightly pointed two simplest activities 1) Clap for no reason and 2) loud laugh without joke can increase team bonding, beats stress and releases endorphins...

How often do we take time solely for ourselves? Procrastination is a small voice or black dog we all have that simply states we are potentially the lowest priority in everything that we do. If your workload is such that you have little ability to seek you time then a conversation with LM to understand how the organisation could potentially support you may offer opportunities that have not previously been explored. There are many online forums or Apps that offer small wellbeing opportunities that almost anyone can do in any situation, even whilst sat at the desk. I feel stepping away from your 'desk' and for me taking time to sit or move in nature allows me to suffuse some of the internal stresses I have built up. Take time for yourself.

Balancing work and personal life is like fine-tuning a radio—constantly check your time, energy, and happiness levels. Get feedback from work and family, tweak your boundaries, priorities, and stress tricks. It's a dance, not a one-time performance—adjust as life's music changes.

Review and adjust your schedule regularly, prioritizing tasks that align with your personal and professional goals. Incorporate efficient time management techniques, such as setting realistic deadlines and delegating tasks when necessary. Cultivate open communication with your team and loved ones, ensuring they understand your boundaries and commitments. Create designated spaces for work and leisure to establish clear boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Don't hesitate to reassess your priorities periodically, making necessary changes to foster a more harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle.

If you’re not happy, start over. Iterate, review & actively build the life you want. Rebirth starts in the mind. It starts with radical self-acceptance which then grows into radical self-love. These are things you will grow into but they are active choices with long yielding results. I know its easier said than done but one day when you wake up and you want a change, start by simply changing up your routine; ? Drive a different route to work ? Walk outside ideally in nature or just around the block. ? Set nonnegotiable boundaries. Mine is having my morning coffee outside. ? Start something you’re passionate about but kind of bad at. Not everything you do needs to be productive. Often we forget to have fun and enjoy the process of growth.

Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustment. Take time to reflect on how you manage your time and whether you feel content with your current work-life balance. Seeking feedback from colleagues, family, and friends can provide valuable insights and suggestions. Be prepared to make changes when necessary, acknowledging that your circumstances and needs may evolve. Flexibility is key to maintaining a harmonious work-life balance that aligns with your well-being and changing life circumstances. A flexible approach to work-life balance ensures that you continue to adapt to your changing life, cultivating overall well-being and harmonious integration of your professional and personal worlds.

Self review has to be done individually and accordingly we need to adjust our timings. If required we need to allot more time for work or family based on the requirement.

As leaders, we have the autonomy to shape our schedules. Use this to your advantage by carving out 'focus blocks' - uninterrupted times for deep work—and 'renewal blocks' for activities that rejuvenate you, aligning them with your natural rhythms. I once consulted with a CEO who found himself overwhelmed by the demands of his role. Together, we implemented a 'thinking day'—one day a week with no meetings, calls, or emails, just strategic thinking, reading, and planning. This CEO reported that not only did his productivity and satisfaction at work increase, but his personal life also improved because he wasn't carrying the stress of constant decision-making into his home.

One key aspect that can greatly influence your work-life balance is your ability to say "no" when necessary. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overcommitting due to fear of missing opportunities or disappointing others. However, it's vital to recognize your limits and politely decline additional responsibilities or social engagements when your plate is already full. Learning to prioritize your well-being and time is a skill that complements the strategies discussed in the article, helping you maintain equilibrium in both your work and personal life.

What if we focus less on balance and more on recognizing that life has a rhythm that is dynamic? Some seasons are wild and full, others are quieter and more spacious. I think we sometimes use balance as a weapon that makes it look like the end state is a precarious state of perfection. Rather, I think knowing ourselves and what contributes to our thriving is essential and also aspirational. When we overwork or under organize, I think it’s key we find grace for ourselves and practice self-compassion. We are after all doing the best we can, aren’t we?

IMO, there are a lot of platitudes being shared in response to the question, almost AI-generated. To each their own, though… In the plainest possible terms, I try my damnedest to abide by the following, each and every day: - Am I proud of what I accomplished in the half of the working day that I could control? - What did I get pulled into that I wasn’t prepared for and, as a result, what can I improve upon tomorrow? - Is there actually something to gain if I continue to work (or be distracted) during time otherwise reserved for family or myself? Together, the answers to those questions help me keep perspective, impose constraints, and measure what matters at work and home.

I am big on planning, so I asses my agenda daily. Each task would be graded according to priority. Based on that I will make sure to include forced breaks as well. Changing focus for a moment can help renew/refresh perspectives. It is important to get your job done but not at the expenses of your own wellbeing. Take care of yourself in the process. Be open and transparent with your leadership when it comes to workload. Are the set goals realistic? Do you need more time or additional support? Avoid to agree committing to tasks that you’re unable to fulfil. It will add pressure and force you to spend extra time off work to get it done. Set clear boundaries: Once your workday is over, work should be on hold until the next day.