How To Achieve A Healthy Work-Life Balance

Jorge Marques Moura says Life is sometimes like a seesaw. On one end is your work demanding attention and on the other end is your personal life, your hobbies, relationships, and overall well-being. A healthy work-life balance ensures neither end dips too low.

It’s not always a perfect 50/50 thing, but rather a constant adjustment to find a sweet spot that benefits you and, surprisingly, even your work. Health enthusiast Jorge Marques Moura delves deeper into what work-life balance is about and how it can be achieved.

What is Work-Life Balance?

Work-life balance means you can manage your professional and personal commitments in a way that feels fulfilling and rewarding. Jorge Marques Moura says it’s not about strictly dividing your time between work and personal commitments but rather putting in your best at work while still finding a way to prioritise YOU and other things that matter. There are several reasons why many fall victim to a poor work-life balance, and these include:

• Increased workload: Taking on too much work, tight deadlines, or unexpected projects can leave you scrambling and with little time for personal pursuits.
• Long hours: Feeling pressured to constantly work, even outside of set hours, can leave you burnt out and with no time for personal life.
• Lack of boundaries: Difficulties disconnecting from work, like checking emails at night or on weekends, can blur the lines and make it hard to truly unwind.
• Demanding personal life: Caring for family members, dealing with personal issues, or even a jam-packed social schedules can leave you feeling drained and with limited time for work.
• Toxic work culture: A work environment that glorifies overworking, lacks flexibility, or has poor communication can make it challenging to maintain a healthy balance.

These are just some of the reasons why work-life balance can become elusive. The key is to identify what’s tipping the scales in your life and take steps to find a more sustainable equilibrium.

Importance of Work-Life Balance

Various studies have demonstrated how important work life balance is to employees. Up to 72% of workers prioritise it when choosing a job, while 61% of workers wouldn’t accept a job that disrupts their work-life balance, which shows how important it is in today’s job market.

Employers who prioritise work-life balance will have lower turnover, reduced healthcare costs and get to enjoy a more productive workforce. A well-balanced life is a happy and healthy life.

When you take time to unwind from work and refresh, you are bumped up to take up new work challenges that might come. This means you wouldn’t be burnt out or stressed, which can lead to health issues. But the impact goes beyond just health.

Work-life balance can actually boost your productivity. When you’re well-rested and engaged in activities you enjoy, you return to work with renewed focus and creativity. This can lead to better decision-making and a higher quality of work. In short, a balanced life isn’t just good for you as a person, it’s good for your work as well.

How to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance?

Jorge Marques Moura takes some effort and adjustment, and it doesn’t have to be “perfect”. Sometimes you might need to spend long hours at work and catch up with family on some other days. Balancing work-life is an ongoing process, not a day thin,g and some strategies you can adopt to help you achieve it, Jorge adds.

• Know your values: Start by reflecting on what truly matters to you in life. Is it family time, creative pursuits, or physical fitness? Understanding your priorities helps you allocate time and energy effectively.
• Prioritise and manage time: Develop strong time management skills. Techniques like scheduling, creating to-do lists, and setting realistic deadlines can help you conquer your workload efficiently and free up personal time.
• Set boundaries: Establish clear separations between work and personal life. This might involve setting specific work hours, disconnecting after hours, and avoiding checking work emails on weekends.
• Learn to say no: Don’t be afraid to decline extra work if it jeopardises your well-being, politely. Communicate your workload honestly and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Delegate and outsource: If possible, delegate tasks at work or outsource chores at home to free up your time for what matters most.
• Schedule personal time: Don’t just wait for free time to appear. Block out time in your calendar for activities you enjoy, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing.
• Practice self-care: Prioritise activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating healthy meals, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation.
• Take a vacation: When you are stressed, it’s time to take that long-awaited vacation far away from workloads. This could be a staycation or a week’s trip to Wonderland. You get to unwind, do what you love and enjoy without having to worry about work. Your body and soul will thank you.
• Be flexible: Remember, a perfect balance isn’t always achievable. There will be times when work demands more attention or personal needs take precedence. The key is to be adaptable and make adjustments as needed.

By incorporating these strategies and being mindful of your priorities, you can create a work-life balance that fosters your well-being and success in all aspects of life.

How Many Hours is a Good Work-Life Balance?

It’s a wonderful question, and the truth is a healthy work-life balance is different for everyone, but typically is 40 to 50 working hours a week, with distinct divisions between work and leisure time. Here’s the breakdown to assist you:

Best Work Hours for Balance:

Typical full-time: 35–40 hours/week.

Fair range: Up to 45–50 hours/week with flexibility.

Warning zone: 50+ hours/week regularly can result in burnout unless balanced with flexibility or passion for work.

Conclusion

Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s an adaptive process that adjusts to your needs, responsibilities, and values. By establishing limits, upholding wellness, and being conscious of time, you can achieve a lifestyle that aids in professional accomplishment and personal satisfaction.

Keep in mind: you don’t have to do everything—you have to do what matters the most.