Why Do So Few People Achieve Work-Life Balance?
We all want a work-life balance that allows us to thrive professionally while also enjoying our personal time. But for many, it seems like an elusive goal.
In countries like Finland, achieving balance appears more manageable, with 63% of people dedicating a significant portion of their day to self-care activities like eating and sleeping. So, what makes the difference?
Understanding Work-Life Balance
The foundation of work-life balance is finding strategies that suit your lifestyle. For most, the biggest challenge is time. Many of us spend over 40 hours a week at work for almost the entire year, leaving little time for personal fulfillment once you factor in commuting, sleep, and other responsibilities.
What Does Work-Life Balance Mean to You?
The first step is figuring out what you want. Are you working to live or living to work? Some people enjoy their careers and don’t even see it as a job because it aligns with their passions. However, even the most driven individuals don’t want to look back and see only work.
Overworking is harmful to both mental and physical health. Poor mental health impacts every part of your life—your relationships, well-being, and even your performance at work. A balanced life is essential not only for your career but also for your overall happiness.
Creating a Balance That Works
Achieving a work-life balance means working hard enough to be successful but not so hard that your health or relationships suffer. Aiming for balance allows you to enjoy your job, earn well, and still have time for personal goals. Without it, you risk burnout, illness, and strained relationships.
Here are a few strategies to help establish that balance:
- Set Clear Goals
Decide what balance means for you and what you want to achieve in both your professional and personal life. - Establish Boundaries
Define a separation between work and personal time. For example, turn off work notifications when your day is done. - Manage Your Time Efficiently
Create daily to-do lists for both work and personal tasks to help stay organized and reduce stress. - Learn to Say No
Set limits by deferring tasks or scheduling them during work hours, so they don’t encroach on your personal time.
Take Care of Yourself
One of the pitfalls of poor work-life balance is feeling like you can’t afford to be sick. Many people feel pressured to keep working, even when unwell, leading to prolonged illnesses and reduced productivity.
If you’re unwell, make your health a priority. If you can’t visit a doctor, consider using telehealth services for guidance. And most importantly, if your symptoms persist, take time off. It’s okay to rest—don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself.
The Importance of Taking Time Off
When was the last time you took a true day off—no emails, no checking work messages, just unplugging completely? If you run your own business or are deeply involved in your job, you might not remember.
Schedule at least one day a week where work has no place. Leave your phone behind if necessary, and focus on enjoying your time. You don’t have a balanced life if work is always lurking in the background.
Plan Your Holidays
Always have a holiday or break planned. It gives you something to look forward to and ensures you’ll take the time off. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant vacation—sometimes, a simple weekend getaway is enough to recharge.
Set Realistic Career Goals
Often, we struggle with work-life balance because our professional goals are too ambitious. Five-year plans packed with promotions and higher earnings sound great, but are they worth sacrificing your personal happiness?
Consider adjusting your career targets. Would it be okay if it took a little longer to hit those milestones, as long as you maintain good health and enjoy time with loved ones? Set goals that allow for personal success as well as professional growth.
Keep Side Hustles in Check
Many people take on side gigs to make extra income, but they can add to the workload. A side hustle only makes sense if it’s enjoyable or genuinely worth your time.
If a side project requires hours of effort but brings little return, ask yourself if it’s worth it. Make sure your extra work is valuable, either financially or because it brings you joy.
Expect Ups and Downs
Work-life balance isn’t a fixed state. It will fluctuate depending on life circumstances—sick family members, busy work seasons, or unexpected changes.
The key is to be adaptable. When work demands more of you, reduce other commitments. When life needs more attention, ease up at work. Balance is a moving target that requires ongoing adjustments.
Learn to Switch Off
If you’re used to being in “work mode” all the time, switching off can be tough. You might stop working but still find yourself thinking about it constantly.
Find ways to let go of work stress. For some, exercise is effective; for others, a walk, a good book, or a relaxing bath can do the trick. Figure out what works for you, and make it part of your routine.
The Takeaway
Achieving a perfect work-life balance isn’t about making a single change. It’s an ongoing process that requires setting goals, establishing boundaries, and adjusting as your circumstances shift.
The journey to a balanced life is about creating habits that help you save time, change your mindset, and celebrate small victories. It’s not a one-time fix but a continuous effort to make room for both professional success and personal fulfillment.
The good news? Once you experience a balanced lifestyle, where work complements rather than dominates your life, you’ll be more motivated to keep it going.
