In today’s world, the notion of work-life balance has become increasingly problematic to achieve. As work demands increase and personal responsibilities grow, many individuals struggle to manage the balance. For me, I’m a mom of two children, the president of Evolution Financial Advisors as well as the teacher/ owner of a bustling dance studio in Rochester, NY.  Making sure that all my work duties, family responsibilities, and personal needs get the right amount of time is a challenge. If this is a personal dilemma for you, like it is for me, here are some things to consider.

Why is balance a priority? 

• Prevention of burnout – When you are exhausted, you are no good to anyone including yourself.  You need to ensure you are in a good place mentally, physically, and emotionally so that you have a solid base to build from every day.
• Increased productivity – Being well rested mentally and physically will help improve your mood and your desire to accomplish more. New projects, new opportunities, new innovations: All of those will be within your reach when you have the energy to pursue them.
• Improved relationships – When you take the time to nurture yourself and those that you care for, your bonds will become stronger. These ties include family, friends, coworkers, and even your relationship with yourself. Creating a stronger network in all areas of your life will reap lots of benefits.

What are your potential challenges?

• Demanding jobs: Certain positions come with demanding hours, tight deadlines, and high levels of obligation, making it problematic to carve out enough, if any, personal time.
• Technology: With the rise of technology, many employees are continuously connected to work through emails, messaging apps, and phones. This leads to a feeling of always needing to be connected, which in turn leads to work invading personal time.
• Finances: with the cost of living and pressure to be involved in so many activities (for those with children), this can create the need for individuals to work more in order to pay for those.

How can you approach changes to help you find your desired balance?

• Set clear boundaries: This can be one of the most difficult, and it includes learning to say no. Recognizing that some time is sacrosanct away from work is an important step.
• Prioritize obligations: Just as important meetings at work take priority on your calendar, consider what life events are just as important. Kids’ sports games, taking a friend out for a birthday lunch, going to see a movie with your mom—take stock of the things in your not-work life that are just as important as conference calls.
• Make time for you: If you thought setting boundaries was difficult, get ready for this one! However, this one is vital to all of the rest. If it helps, actually block out time in your planner that is just for you, and you can pencil in what you want to do, whether it’s going to the gym, learning a language, organizing photos, or just sitting down with that book you picked up three years ago meaning to read. However, you do it, that time is just for you. Learn to stick to it!
• Build and maintain a strong support system: This ties right into those relationships you want to grow. Friends and family aren’t just babysitters or obligatory birthday cards. Take the time to kindle those relationships so that you’re there for the people in your life and know that they’ll be there for you. 

At the end of the day, each person will decide their own work-life balance.  It will likely not be the same as it is for others, and it may also shift over time depending on where the needs for each shake out.  But remember that life is much bigger than your computer screen. Take the time to find what your balance is and work to achieve it with the same energy you put into your professional goals.  Your mind, body, and soul will be thankful that you did.