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Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control
When your work life and personal life are out of balance, your stress level is likely to soar. Use these practical strategies to restore harmony.
By Mayo Clinic staffThere was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, however, work is likely to invade your personal life — and maintaining work-life balance is no simple task. This might be especially true if you're concerned about losing your job due to restructuring, layoffs or other factors.
Still, work-life balance isn't out of reach.
Start by evaluating your relationship to work. Then apply specific strategies to help you strike a healthier balance.
Married to your work? Consider the cost
It can be tempting to rack up hours at work, especially if you're trying to earn a promotion or manage an ever-increasing workload — or simply keep your head above water. Sometimes overtime might even be required. If you're spending most of your time working, though, your home life will take a hit.
Consider the consequences of poor work-life balance:
- Fatigue. When you're tired, your ability to work productively and think clearly might suffer — which could take a toll on your professional reputation or lead to dangerous or costly mistakes.
- Lost time with friends and loved ones. If you're working too much, you might miss important family events or milestones. This can leave you feeling left out and might harm relationships with your loved ones. It's also difficult to nurture friendships if you're always working.
- Increased expectations. If you regularly work extra hours, you might be given more responsibility — which could lead to additional concerns and challenges.
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- Simmons S. Striving for work-life balance. American Journal of Nursing. 2012;112:25.
- Blanchard MH. Work ... life ... balance? Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012;119:177.
- Shanafelt TD, et al. Principles to promote physician satisfaction and work-life balance. Minnesota Medicine. 2008;91:41.
- Henrikson M. Work-life balance: Is there such a thing? Nursing for Women's Health. 2009;13:151.
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