Spencer is an employee who stays late, answers emails at home, and never goes on vacation.

Cameron is an employee who leaves the office on time, logs off to spend time with loved ones, and uses the PTO available.

After six months, Cameron is performing at peak, while Spencer is facing fatigue and burnout. The difference between the two employees is their effort to maintain a balance between their work and personal lives. When there isn’t enough balance, individuals may experience negative effects on their mental and physical health, job performance, and relationships.

Although there is not a one-size-fits-all solution or perfect formula for balance, aiming for harmony between your work and personal life can bring lasting benefits. Since your energy and schedule may change by day, week, or month, it’s important to look at balance from a big-picture perspective.

You may practice day-to-day balance by logging off when the workday is done. On the other hand, long-term stress could be managed with longer breaks. If a season of work is more demanding than others, you might intentionally schedule a vacation soon after the season passes.

If you’re looking for new ways to bring balance to your work and personal life, try these habits:

• Set healthy emotional, mental, and time boundaries to manage your workdays.
• Take frequent breaks by getting up, working on another task, or shifting your awareness to something else for a time.
• Make your work environment as pleasant as possible.
• Set achievable goals and use time management strategies to achieve them.
• Set aside more quality time with your loved ones.
• Practice stress-relief or self-care activities like eating a nutritious meal, exercising, meditating, calling a friend, or practicing a hobby.
• Put your health first. Working through mental fatigue or physical illness will only make the issue worse.
• Take a break from the digital world.
• Take a vacation.

Sustainable productivity begins with habits that promote balance with your personal life. By intentionally managing time and prioritizing your well-being, you can maintain performance at work while making fewer sacrifices in your personal life.

To learn more about mental health topics, visit https://www.carelonwellbeing.com/cvt.

Or explore more information on self-care from CredibleMind.

https://cvt.crediblemind.com/lists/work-life-balance

https://cvt.crediblemind.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-work-life-

https://cvt.crediblemind.com/articles/time-management-may-ease-work-related-anxiety-overall-wellbeing

https://cvt.crediblemind.com/insights/bring-life-into-focus-balancing-productivity-and-quality-of-life