These days, the term "work-life balance" seems to be in every conversation. And the reason why is obvious. People are leaving their jobs at record highs, stress levels are skyrocketing, and everyone is attempting to find a way to balance work and personal life.

So is Work Life Balance a Myth? What's the Definition of Work-Life Balance? 

The answer may vary depending on who you ask. It seems to convey everything without really saying anything, which is why we prefer to say it. We would all prefer not to be enslaved by our jobs. It is our hope that achieving a state of "balance" would allow us to fully experience life and provide us happiness, fulfillment, and serenity.

True balance does not exist, which is a major flaw in this ideology. Change is the only constant in life. Nothing stays the same for very long. Perhaps that's why a lot of individuals who look for "balance" feel like they're swaying in the waves, trying to catch a ghostly equilibrium that's elusive.

Chasing "balance" is more trouble than it's worth because of the worry, guilt, and anxiety it causes. Ironically, trying to achieve "balance" might really make matters worse. 

Rather, we should make an effort to keep in mind these three basic realities:

1. Working is the nature of existence.

People often fail to see that work is really a component of life, despite the fact that the two are clearly separate. Our jobs aren't stuck in some ethereal limbo or whatever. Whether we like it or not, our life is defined by the way we spend each day.

Even while working might be devoid of emotion at times, it need not be. A fulfilling job may be a part of your life regardless of your occupation, whether it's creating something, selling something, or helping others.

The most important thing, in my experience, is to stick with it no matter what. People feel uneasy when there is uncertainty, which is caused by half measures. Take the plunge and quit your job if you want to. If you're determined to keep going, you need to commit fully and excel at what you do. A desire to learn is a key differentiator between excellent and terrible investors, as I've said before.

2. "Doing it right" isn't the point. Living a good life is the goal.

People who prioritize work-life balance may end up settling for less than they deserve. Keep in mind that achieving a balance between suffering (work) and enjoying life is not the objective. Finding fulfilling work may be about so much more than just making a living, meeting new people, or passing the time. Work, when done well, gives rise to life, rather than the reverse being true.

This is why it's more necessary to ask, "Am I living well?" The answer to this seemingly straightforward issue may touch on all aspect of our lives, from the material to the relational to the spiritual, and beyond. Along with allowing for overlap across these categories, the question serves as a reminder that work may often improve, rather than worsen, life.

It makes little difference whether your professional and personal lives are "balanced" if you are not leading a good life, which includes taking care of yourself, eating properly, and giving your job your all. A bad status quo is all you'll be creating.

3. Reward yourself when you're feeling exhausted.

Having a mentality of scarcity is the surest way to sap the pleasure out of life. Scarcity does not imply austerity or required financial restriction; it is a more general term. When it is said that certain individuals have that mentality, it's because they're so focused on protecting their hoard of wealth. The problem with this approach is that it usually works, but it also makes individuals less kind, less creative, and less open to personal development.

Naturally, while resources are plentiful, the risks of a scarcity mentality are easy to remember. However, when resources are few, they might be more difficult to remember. Just because other people are "taking too much" doesn't mean you should back off or be careful; it's just a fundamental mantra to keep you focused on what really matters. Instead, give in to your desires!

Staying in the game, keeping in touch, and, most importantly, keeping a mindset of abundance and riches are all possible thanks to the relaxation that follows.

Employers must prioritize work-life balance and take quick action to fix it


According to research out of the Mental Health Foundation, working more hours makes people feel worse about themselves. On the other hand, workers who are overworked and don't have time to relax are stressed out, underperforming, and unable to handle their duties.

Employers may assist remote teams in developing deeper bonds and trust in one another and the business via simple initiatives such as online team building exercises.

According to a Mavenlink poll on the future of work, 62% of those surveyed feel that a company's emphasis on work-life balance is crucial. Organizations and companies get huge advantages from employees achieving a work-life balance. But there are serious consequences for disregarding it.

Some of the most significant advantages of maintaining a good work-life balance are as follows:

  • More effectiveness and output with less effort.

  • Absenteeism numbers should be lower.

  • Reduced levels of tension.

  • Enhanced inspiration for all groups.

  • Enhanced support for clients.

  • Superior faith in management and the company as a whole.

  • Higher staff retention levels.

  • Upholding staff involvement and enhancing employee contentment.

Why you should disregard common misconceptions around work-life balance.

Putting in extra time at work boosts output.

The work-life balance is negatively impacted by this prevalent misconception. What follows from Parkinson's Law is that "Work expands to fill the time available for its completion." For that reason, you put off beginning a job until the due date is drawing near, even if you have been granted more time to do it.

Smart work allows you to instead concentrate on being productive. The reasoning behind it is that when given more time to do an activity, people tend to overanalyze it and put it off till later. When time is of the essence, the brain is hardwired to do tasks promptly. The secret to being productive, therefore, is to work better with less time, not more.

Here are some suggestions to help virtual teams be more productive:

Reliable worker is quick to reply

We spend a lot of time on our phones and computers in this distant job. Work and life have become practically indistinguishable. Most workers, according to studies, have work on their minds even when they're not physically there. This is a big reason why remote workers are so stressed out and not getting anything done.

Boundaries may be established instead. Notifications of incoming emails might sometimes interrupt your plans for valuable family time. It makes you want to read the email right now. Make sure you give yourself some space. To make room for enjoying your personal life while establishing priorities correctly depending on the gravity of the problem, it might be as easy as not reading work emails after supper or not taking business calls before morning. For your own health and happiness, it is up to you to make deliberate decisions.

Online team-building activities may be a great way for employers to make working remotely more enjoyable for their employees. Because of this, you will connect work with good moments and experience less burnout.

Separating aspects of life

Blocking out time while playing against other players is a real challenge. Instead of improving your health, this will make it worse. You have to face the fact that your personal life will inadvertently intersect with your job life and vice versa. Some days you'll put in a full day's worth of effort, while other days you'll slack off.


An individual's level of productivity and enthusiasm at work is directly proportional to how happy they are outside of work, according to Jeff Bezoz. When you love what you do for a living, it shows in your home life.

Aiming for flawless timetables

Be reasonable with yourself and don't try to create the ideal timetable. There will be days when you're swamped with work and other days when you can finally relax and enjoy life with the people you care about. Being mindful of your existing priorities is the first step toward achieving work-life balance.

Maintain a state of continual self-evaluation of your present situation, objectives, and priorities. Do not be afraid to disconnect from technology or take extended breaks from work if you feel the need to do so or if you are experiencing burnout.

It allows you to relax, rejuvenate, and get new insights. Your efficiency on the job will increase as a consequence. Being more efficient and able to concentrate will be your new normal.

Suggested Read: Manage your Time​

Here's a pro advice to help you attain work-life harmony: 

Take breaks: The optimal work plan, according to research, consists of 52 minutes of work followed by 17 minutes of rest. Work in short bursts with the knowledge that a break is on the way to keep you focused, and take pleasure in those breaks to boost your mood. Also, treat yourself to some little pleasures during these intervals. It might be anything from spending time with your little one to savoring a mug of coffee and strolling around your yard.


objectives of work life balance