8 Ways to Create a Better Work-Life Balance

Feeling tired and frustrated managing work and home? For a simpler, more intentional life, try these 8 ways to create a better work-life balance for a more productive but healthier and easier life.

STRUGGLING WITH A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

We all know the feeling: juggling work deadlines, household chores, personal commitments, and somehow trying to squeeze in a little “me time” before collapsing into bed at the end of a long day. If your life feels more like a never-ending cycle of busyness than a peaceful, intentional journey, you’re not alone. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this article I’d like to share some thoughts about work-life balance – yes, that elusive thing everyone’s always trying to find. It’s not just about balancing your time between work and play; it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter, setting boundaries that allow you to thrive, and living in a way that feels meaningful and intentional.

WHY A WORK-LIFE BALANCE IS SO HARD TO FIND

I don’t know about you but I used to really struggle with a healthy work-life balance. I’m a perfectionist and try to over-achieve and over-deliver but, in all honesty, often don’t reach my own standards! Whilst I now know to embrace me, just as I am, the ‘younger me’ would feel that I wasn’t trying hard enough or I just needed to push on a little more.

And then, there’s the practical problem of needing to work hard to pay the bills, hold down that demanding job and keep your boss happy, or juggling raising young kids whilst earning money to look after them. Lack of time, energy, support and other resources leaves us drained, chasing our tail and burning the midnight oil…

Enter a very unbalanced work-life balance and a tired, stressed out and frustrated YOU. Most of us have to work, we spend many hours of our life at work and many of us want to do the best job we can – and still enjoy and be present for our life outside of work.

This is why I think it’s vital to find a happy compromise and a good work-life balance for a simpler, more intentional life.

8 WAYS TO CREATE A BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE

So grab a drink, and let’s dive into some practical tips that can help you create a better work-life balance for a simpler, more fulfilling life.

1. Get Clear on Your Priorities

The first step to creating balance is knowing what truly matters to you. This might seem obvious, but it’s easy to lose sight of your priorities when you’re caught up in the daily grind. Sit down and think about what makes you feel happy, fulfilled, and purposeful. Is it spending time with your family, pursuing hobbies, advancing in your career, or just having time to relax and recharge?

Once you know what matters most, you can start making decisions that reflect those priorities. Ask yourself: does saying “yes” to this extra project or social commitment help me achieve what’s important? If the answer is no, it’s time to start saying no more often (and trust me, it feels amazing once you get over the discomfort!).

2. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

In a world where we’re constantly connected, it’s easy for work to spill over into personal time, and vice versa. But one of the most important things you can do for your work-life balance is to set clear boundaries. This means knowing when to switch off from work, whether it’s at a certain time each day or by taking weekends completely off.

Self-employed amongst us, including me, I know you’ll say it’s tough to switch off! But, even just a few minutes here and there is probably possible and with time, could stretch into longer. Sometimes, it’s not that we CAN’T take time off, it’s that we don’t FEEL we can take time off. There’s a difference.

Don’t be afraid to communicate these boundaries with your colleagues or boss. You deserve time to recharge, and most people will respect that if you’re clear about your needs. You don’t have to be available 24/7 to be good at your job. In fact, you’ll probably be better at it when you’ve had time to rest.

Equally, it’s important to set boundaries in your personal life too. If you need time to focus on work or personal projects, don’t feel guilty about telling loved ones that you need some space. Balance isn’t about making everyone else happy all the time – it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you.

3. Create a Simple, Intentional Daily Routine

Routine can be your best friend when it comes to creating balance. Having a predictable structure to your day can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce stress. But the key is to make your routine simple and intentional – not overloaded with tasks.

Start by focusing on the essentials: work, rest, and play. Make sure your routine includes time for self-care, whether that’s a morning walk, a few minutes of meditation, or simply taking time to enjoy your cup of coffee without rushing. Build in time for the things that bring you joy and fulfilment, like hobbies, reading, or catching up with friends. And don’t forget to schedule in downtime – yes, actual time to do nothing. It’s vital for recharging both your body and mind.

When you’re intentional about your routine, you’ll find it easier to balance all areas of your life without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Embrace the Power of “No”

Let’s be honest: saying no can feel uncomfortable. We want to please people, help out, and be seen as capable and dependable. But the truth is that saying yes to everything is a surefire way to burn out. The more you spread yourself thin, the less energy you’ll have for the things that truly matter.

Learning to say no is one of the most empowering things you can do for your work-life balance. It doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you wise. When you say no to things that don’t align with your priorities, you’re saying yes to a more balanced, intentional life. Practice it with small things at first, and you’ll soon find it gets easier. And remember, you don’t have to explain yourself. A simple, polite “no” is enough.

What could you say “no” to today, this week, this month? What are you afraid will happen if you do say no? Experiment and see if your fears become reality?

5. Make Time for What Recharges You

We all need time to rest and recharge, but how often do you actually prioritise it? It’s easy to get caught up in being productive and forget to take care of yourself. But here’s the thing: if you’re constantly running on empty, you won’t have the energy to enjoy life, let alone be productive at work.

Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, reading a good book, or simply having a lazy Sunday, make sure you’re scheduling in time for activities that help you relax and rejuvenate. And no, sitting on your phone for hours doesn’t really count! Real rest means unplugging and doing something that nourishes your mind, body, or soul.

For me, in my present season of life, that means no screens (blog work, my ‘day job’ responsibilities, social media, emails) after 8pm, taking a dedicated half an hour for lunch, my morning dog walk, and no looking at my emails on my phone.

6. Stop Trying to Be Perfect

Perfectionism is one of the biggest barriers to achieving work-life balance. If you’re constantly trying to do everything perfectly, you’re setting yourself up for stress and frustration. I know this only too well! Newsflash: it’s okay to be imperfect! You don’t have to be the best at everything, and you certainly don’t have to get everything right on the first try. Nobody really does.

Give yourself permission to be human. Let go of the need to have the perfectly clean house, the flawless project, or the ideal social life. Focus instead on what feels good and what brings you joy. Life is about progress, not perfection. Good is good enough. You don’t need to chase for great or perfect. So, what does good enough look like to you?

7. Be Present in Whatever You’re Doing

One of the keys to a more intentional life is learning to be fully present in the moment. Whether you’re working, spending time with loved ones, or just relaxing, try to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about what’s next on your To Do list. Those things on your To Do list will still be waiting for you when you do return to it.

Being present doesn’t mean you have to be perfect at mindfulness (we all get distracted from time to time), but it does mean making a conscious effort to enjoy the here and now. When you’re at work, focus on work. When you’re with family, focus on them. And when you’re resting, allow yourself to fully unwind without feeling guilty.

8. Regularly Re-evaluate Your Balance

Work-life balance isn’t a one-time achievement. It’s something you’ll need to continually reassess as your life changes. What works for you today might not work next year, and that’s okay. Regularly check in with yourself to see if your balance is where you want it to be.

Are you spending enough time on the things that matter most? Do you need to make adjustments to your routine or boundaries? Remember, balance is personal and fluid. There’s no “perfect” formula, only what works for you.

CONCLUSION

Creating a better work-life balance for a simple and intentional life isn’t about fitting everything in. It’s about focusing on what truly matters, letting go of what doesn’t, and giving yourself the space to breathe, rest, and enjoy the journey.

So, take it one step at a time. Set your priorities, create boundaries, embrace rest, and remember to be kind to yourself. You deserve a life that feels balanced, meaningful, and fulfilling. And hopefully, once you start making small changes, you’ll see that a simpler, more intentional life is absolutely within your reach.

And now, it’s over to you… Do you struggle with a healthy work-life balance or have you found ways to stop the lines between work and personal becoming blurred? Do you have any experiences or tips to share? I’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment at the end of the article.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Why We Need Balance in Life (+ How to Find It)
• How To Stop Living For The Weekends & Enjoy The Week
• 7 Ways to Beat the Sunday Scaries
• How Perfectionism Can Hold Us Back
• How to Plan for the Week Ahead

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

Earlier in this article I mentioned about getting clear on your priorities. To help you get started, I’ve created a free printable worksheet. Pop your details in the box below if you’d like me to send you a copy!