Striking the perfect balance

content work life balance seesaw

In our fast-paced world, achieving a harmonious work-life balance has become more challenging than ever. The relentless demands of work often spill over into our personal lives, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

However, with the right strategies and mindset, it is possible to attain a balance that allows us to excel in our careers while enjoying a fulfilling personal life.

The Covid pandemic forced a rethinking of work-life balance for many, leading to a greater emphasis on flexibility, wellbeing and a reassessment of priorities in both professional and personal life. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, which allowed many people to have more flexibility in managing their work and personal lives.

This shift made people reevaluate the traditional office-based work model. It also brought attention to issues of burnout and mental health in the workplace. People became more aware of the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of their wellbeing.

As companies adopted hybrid work models (combining remote and in-office work), the pandemic provided employees with options to balance work and life in a way that suits their individual needs. Many individuals reassessed their career goals and personal priorities during lockdowns and periods of isolation. This prompted a re-evaluation of what truly matters in life, often emphasising family, health and personal fulfilment.

Achieving the right work-life balance is an ongoing journey that requires self-awareness, determination and adaptability. It also makes us more productive, more adaptable and, ultimately, more successful.


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Dos

  • Look after yourself: make self-care a non-negotiable priority. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and a healthy diet are foundational for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Schedule downtime for activities that rejuvenate you, such as hobbies, meditation or simply unwinding with a good book.
  • Set boundaries: establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Set specific working hours and stick to them as closely as possible. Communicate your boundaries to your colleagues and supervisors, ensuring they respect your personal time.
  • Plan and organise: plan your work tasks and personal commitments meticulously. Make the most of apps that can help you keep track of your responsibilities. Prioritise your most important tasks, both at work and in your personal life, to maximise productivity and reduce stress.
  • Learn to say no: overcommitting can lead to burnout and negatively impact your work and personal life, so focus on tasks and commitments that align with your goals and values, and decline those that don’t.
  • Delegate and seek support: trust your colleagues and team members to handle responsibilities and seek support from your friends, family or a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sharing your feelings can provide valuable insights and emotional relief.

Don'ts

  • Overwork: don’t fall into the trap of excessive working hours. Prolonged overwork can lead to burnout, decreased productivity and strained personal relationships. Focus on the quality of your work and your ability to recharge.
  • Multitask unnecessarily: multitasking can lead to increased stress and decreased efficiency and may diminish the quality of your work or your presence in personal activities.
  • Don’t bring work home regularly: separating your workspace from your home space is crucial, even if you work from home! If possible, have clear, physical boundaries between professional and personal spaces.
  • Neglect communication: ensure that you maintain open and honest conversations with your colleagues, as well as your family and friends. Don’t let misunderstandings at home or at work fester; address issues promptly to maintain healthy relationships.
  • Compare yourself to others: everyone’s circumstances and priorities are different. Don’t strive for perfection; instead, aim for a balance that works for you and your unique situation. As Gen Z would say: ‘You do you.’

More information

This article was first published in Student Accountant in October 2023Get the SA app now

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