Work and home life balance

Like many people, I have a demanding work schedule. Finding a balance between work and home life can be challenging. I have considered recently some strategies for avoiding working after hours. Today, I’d like to explore some other strategies to keep work and home life separate, whenever possible.

Set clear boundaries

The first step is to clearly define your working hours. Define your personal time as well. Stick to these definitions, especially if you work remotely. Making time for family is essential; they’re the ones who support us through it all. Just as important is making time for self-care. Without it, we might not even manage to show up the next day. Make time for hobbies, meditation, or anything that helps you decompress.

Set up routines

Besides setting boundaries, establishing daily routines or rituals can reinforce the line between work and personal life. In the morning, before getting to work, I have a good and strong cup of tea. This sets my mind to realize that my working routine has started. During the day, I stand up and walk around the office every one hour or between meetings. Even when I’m not thirsty I go and get a cup of water. By the afternoon, I go out with Thomas to the backyard and spend some time with him there. Alternatively, I do a round of exercise in our bike. These small actions help me wind down from the workday and transition into personal time.

Make time for relationships

Schedule quality time with family and friends, just as you would for meetings. I have mentioned already how on Tuesdays we want to go to the movies. On Fridays, we have our sushi night. On Sunday morning, we have brunch at home. These are small engagements. They help us keep tabs on the time we are spending with our loved ones. They also make our loved ones feel valued.

Balancing work and home life isn’t always easy, but small, consistent efforts can make a big difference. Whether it’s a morning ritual, time with loved ones, or a weekly sushi night, these moments matter. I’d love to hear what strategies you use to find balance—share them in the comments!