The other day I was watching a documentary on MTV and saw a man who was constantly on his phone or laptop. His work-life balance was non-existent.
His dependence on being online and working was so severe that he and his girlfriend sought therapy to address his addiction to work and constant connectivity.
He claimed to work 100 hours a week. Whether they were eating, driving, celebrating, or discovering they were going to have a child, he kept doing work online.
Since self-employment is still relatively new to me, I also find myself online or on my phone much of the time.
And just last night, W told me that I’m a workaholic.
I’ve always suspected I was hooked on work. I wish I could say I’ve achieved a healthy balance, but the truth is I probably haven’t. I rarely set strict work hours, so I carry my laptop everywhere and often work while doing other things.
It helps that I enjoy what I do and it doesn’t always feel like “work,” but I still need to establish clear boundaries and create time for activities that don’t involve my laptop or the internet.
Set a schedule to improve your work-life balance
Whether you work in an office or from home, a consistent schedule is essential. Working from home can make it especially difficult to leave work at “the office.” I often find myself working both mornings and evenings.
If you function better by disconnecting, turn off your phone and leave it in another room so you’re not tempted to check it. I try not to bring my phone when I go out anymore; leaving it at home helps me truly enjoy the moment.
Related: How To Be More Productive: 17 Tips To Help You Live A Better Life
Prioritize tasks to achieve better balance
Prioritizing tasks—whether from easiest to hardest or vice versa—helps you focus your energy. Completing small, quick tasks first offers momentum and the satisfaction of crossing items off your list.
I always handle client work and other urgent items first. If something can wait a few hours or days, I move it toward the bottom of the list. This prevents low-value tasks from eating up time that should be reserved for important work or for personal life.
Learn to say no so you can protect your time
Saying “yes” to everything leaves no room for your own priorities. Reducing commitments will free up time and lower stress.
You might think, “But I have to do that.” Often, you don’t. Evaluate each request by its value to you. Could someone else handle it? Is it worth your time? If the answer is no, decline or delegate.
Outsource tasks when possible
If time is tight, consider hiring help. Virtual assistants, freelancers, and personal assistants can handle routine or low-value tasks so you can focus on higher-priority work or on personal time.
Keep a to-do list
A to-do list is essential for staying organized and avoiding the wasted mental energy of wondering what needs to be done. Use your phone calendar and task apps to schedule and track responsibilities, set deadlines, and remind yourself when to stop working.
Block time to relax and have fun
Protect time for rest and enjoyment. For example, designate evenings after 6 p.m. as no-work time: turn off devices, put away the laptop, and spend uninterrupted time with friends or family. Making this a habit helps recharge your energy and improves productivity when you return to work.
How do you manage work and life?
Share the strategies that help you maintain boundaries, stay productive, and keep time for the people and activities that matter most.