Work-life balance, built-in

Many people struggle with maintaining a work-life balance. That’s because without clear boundaries, work often follows them wherever they go.

Now that we’re clearly in the age of working from home, this is quickly becoming even more ubiquitous.

In light of this, I thought I’d share a few tips to get back to a healthy equilibrium:

• If at all possible, keep your workplace separate from home. This might mean working in an office, but it could also mean ‘working’ at a local café, having a ‘home office,’ (or simply a room in your house where you don’t do anything but work), or, maybe, working in an actual studio—one that requires you to ‘leave home for work.’

• Similarly, it may help to have a separate computer for work and another for play, (or to use a laptop strictly for work, and a tablet for play). That way you’re not tempted to play while you work, and vice-versa.

• When you are working, take breaks. Go outside. Take a walk. Enjoy your lunch. (This can help you avoid tunnel vision.)

• Try to stick to a consistent schedule. If you work from 9 to 5, work from 9 to 5. No sooner, no later.

• Don’t work on weekends. (This includes taking work-related calls and checking email.)

• Similarly, pick a day every week (i.e. Sundays) where you intentionally avoid using your computer/tablet/smartphone. This can help you detox from electronic media and reinvigorate your enthusiasm for work when come back to it.

• Take vacations, regularly. And enjoy them, optimally.