Creating a Work–Life Balance That Actually Works

By Amanda Gray

It’s become increasingly rare for anyone in the business world to fully log off from emails and devices outside of traditional working hours. With so much communication and collaboration happening online, it’s easy to keep working after dinner or to start scrolling through messages well before the workday begins.

Remote and hybrid work have transformed the way we work. But, without clear boundaries, work can spill into every corner of your day. That’s why cultivating a personal approach to work–life balance isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s critical for long-term success.

Here are strategies to help you create a balance that works for you.

Audit Your Work Habits

If you’re serious about building more balance into your life, start by taking a good look at your habits.

Are you checking your email before you’ve even had breakfast?

Do you eat lunch at your desk more often than not?

Are your evenings regularly interrupted by “just one more” task?

By asking yourself a few simple questions about how you work, you can spot where things are out of balance—and start making changes right away.

Schedule Breaks

Taking breaks can be challenging, especially when you’re under a deadline or immersed in a project. However, research indicates that taking short, regular breaks can boost focus, creativity, and decision-making. Too often, we skip them because of external pressures—or pressure we put on ourselves.

Block time for breaks in your calendar and set reminders. Pick times that fit your natural rhythm—maybe a 15-minute coffee break in the mid-morning or a quick walk after lunch. Maintain consistency, and you’ll start to notice your energy and focus lasting longer throughout the day.

Set Boundaries—and Keep Them

Flexibility is great, but it doesn’t mean you need to be “on” all the time. If your phone pings every time a work email or Slack message comes in, you’ll never truly disconnect—and burnout will show up quickly in both your work and your well-being.

Here’s how to use your devices to create real separation between work and life:

Silence work apps after hours.

iPhone: Settings → Focus → Do Not Disturb Create a “Work” mode, add only essential contacts, and turn off email/Slack notifications after your chosen cutoff time.

Android: Digital Well-being → Focus Mode Pause work apps automatically in the evenings.

Schedule email quiet hours.

In Gmail or Outlook, set “Working Hours” so notifications stop after your set end time.

Use “Do Not Disturb” for family time.

Enable manually or set a recurring schedule (for example, 6–8 p.m.) so only calls from your favorites come through.

Communicate your availability.

Update your Slack/Teams status at the end of the day with “Offline until 8 a.m.”—and stick to it.

Boundaries aren’t about working less. They’re about working smarter, protecting your focus, and showing up at your best when you are “on.”

Leverage Your Peak Productivity Hours

Not everyone does their best thinking in the traditional 9-to-5 hours. Figure out when you’re most focused and energized and schedule your high-priority work for those hours. Use your lower-energy times for admin or routine tasks. This way, you’ll accomplish more in less time and free up space for your personal life.

Integrate Work and Life

For some, balance isn’t about rigidly dividing work and life—it’s about blending them in a way that works. That might mean taking a midday workout class and making up the time later or attending your child’s school event without guilt because you’ve planned your deadlines accordingly. The key is to make both work and life priorities visible in your schedule.

Know the Non-Negotiables

Actual downtime isn’t just “nice to have” It’s what will allow you to thrive without the risk of burnout and fatigue. When you treat movement, rest, and well-balanced meals as non-negotiable parts of your day, you’re creating a healthy environment. Recharging your mind and body enables you to show up sharper, calmer, and more effective in everything you do.

Regularly Reassess

Your ideal balance will shift as your career, family, and goals evolve. Set a recurring reminder—maybe quarterly—to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Minor, regular adjustments will keep you aligned and help you avoid burnout.

Work–life balance isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s an evolving, intentional practice built on self-awareness, discipline, and flexibility. By observing your habits, setting clear boundaries, and protecting your recovery time, you can create a balance that supports both your success and your well-being.

About the Author

Amanda Gray is a digital communications leader with 15 years of social media experience. She has supported the building of social programs for small businesses and 500M CPG companies.