Work-life balance is more than just a concept—it’s about the specific actions you choose to create harmony between your personal and professional life, especially when you’re grappling with depression, anxiety and burnout. These challenges can make finding balance feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to define what work-life balance means for you.
Achieving work-life balance is unique for each of you. For some, it might involve setting boundaries, prioritizing activities that nourish your well-being, or delegating tasks to prevent further burnout. It may mean unplugging from work when necessary, engaging in activities that rejuvenate you, and connecting with loved ones. Work-life balance means reflecting on your needs and adjusting your habits to support your mental and physical health.
Step One: Visualize Your Best Hopes
Imagine waking up one morning feeling truly satisfied with your work-life balance. What actions did you take to achieve this? How did you make it happen? Who noticed the difference? When have you felt this way before? Where were you when it was easiest to maintain this balance? Use these guiding words—what, how, who, when, and where—to reflect on your successes and envision the steps you need to take:
- What specific actions have you taken when you’ve achieved work-life balance? Did you set boundaries, prioritize family time or engage in relaxing and rejuvenating hobbies?
- How have you maintained work-life balance in the past? What strategies have worked for you?
- Who would notice your good work-life balance? Who in your life would see the difference? Perhaps your spouse, children or colleagues would recognize that you’re more present, less stressed and more focused.
- When have you felt most satisfied with your work-life balance? Reflect on when you last thrived both at work and home. When were you less stressed and more motivated?
- Where have you found it easiest to maintain work-life balance? Was it during a vacation, while working remotely or in a structured environment with clear boundaries? How can you replicate these conditions?
Measuring Your Progress
- Suppose ten is you are satisfied with your work-life balance, and 1 is the opposite. Where are you now?
- What would be a good enough number?
- What keeps your number from being lower?
- Suppose we asked your very important others on a scale of 1 to 10, what number would they give you? What keeps their number from being lower?
- What reasons explain the similarity or difference in your confidence numbers?
- What is one thing you can do to increase your number? What else could you do?
- Suppose ten is you are confident that you will do your best to improve your work-life balance, and 1 is the opposite. What number would you give yourself? What gives you this confidence? Is it good enough for you?
As you reflect, list the specific actions that emerge, such as spending quality time with loved ones or engaging in activities that rejuvenate you. These reflections will guide you in understanding what you need to do to achieve and maintain a satisfying work-life balance.