Work-life balance is about creating a healthy relationship between your professional responsibilities and your personal life. It’s not about achieving perfect balance every day, but finding a sustainable rhythm that supports your wellbeing, productivity, and relationships.

This document offers guidance on recognising imbalance, setting boundaries, and developing habits that protect your mental health.

Why Work-Life Balance Matters

• Reduces stress and burnout
• Improves mental and physical health
• Boosts productivity and focus at work
• Enhances relationships and personal satisfaction
• Supports better decision-making and creativity

A good work-life balance helps you feel more in control, present, and fulfilled both inside and outside of work.

Signs of Poor Work-Life Balance

• Constant feelings of stress or overwhelm
• Difficulty switching off from work
• Working long hours or skipping breaks
• Lack of time for rest, hobbies, or relationships
• Feeling guilty when not working

If these signs feel familiar, it may be time to re-evaluate your current balance.

Practical Strategies for Improving Balance

1. Set Clear Boundaries:
   • Define work hours and stick to them
   • Avoid checking work emails outside of hours
   • Set “tech-free” time in the evenings or weekends
2. Schedule Breaks and Downtime
   • Take regular breaks throughout the day
   • Plan time for rest, hobbies, and social connection
   • Use your annual leave – it’s essential for recovery
3. Prioritise and Delegate:
   • Focus on what truly matters – not everything is urgent
   • Say no to non-essential tasks
   • Delegate or share responsibilities where possible
4. Reflect and Adjust Regularly
   • Check in with yourself weekly: How do I feel?
   • Adjust your schedule if you’re feeling overloaded
   • Keep communication open with your manager or team
5. Make Time for What Recharges You
   • Exercise, nature, creativity, or quality time with loved ones
   • Treat rest as productive – it’s how you refuel

Supporting Others with Work-Life Balance

• Respect boundaries and model healthy habits
• Avoid glorifying overwork or “busyness”
• Encourage colleagues to take breaks and use their leave
• Create a culture where wellbeing is valued and discussed

Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury – it’s a responsibility.

Tools to Help

• Use planners or digital calendars to block out work and personal time
• Try the Pomodoro technique (25 mins work, 5 mins break)
• Set reminders to stand up, hydrate, or stretch
• Use wellbeing apps to track habits and support mindfulness

Managing work-life balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making intentional choices, protecting your energy, and creating space for what matters most.

With regular reflection, clear boundaries, and support from those around you, you can build a healthier, more sustainable way of working and living.

Balance is not something you find – it’s something you create.