In today’s fast-paced world, everyone talks about work-life balance as if it’s the ultimate key to happiness. The term is used often, in seminars, self-help books, and motivational talks. Does focusing solely on balancing work and life truly resolve our stress and lead to happiness? Work IS life and often a large part of it, though the term “work-life balance” can be limiting as it suggests a binary division between work and personal life.
Let’s rethink this and shift our focus to something more holistic: “life balance”.
The term “life balance” acknowledges that individuals juggle multiple aspects of life beyond just work, such as family, personal interests, finances, growth, health, and social relationships. Life balance suggests a holistic approach to well-being where each area is given consideration and integration, promoting overall harmony and fulfilment in life. This broader perspective recognises that satisfaction and happiness come from balancing various priorities and activities that contribute to a meaningful life experience.
When we consider work as just one part of our life, we get to see the diverse and fulfilling aspects beyond our work day. This way of thinking encourages individuals to prioritise what matters most to them across all areas of life, rather than rigid balance between two competing areas, thereby fostering a more fulfilling and tailored life experience.
The Limits of Work-Life Balance
When we talk about “work-life balance,” we’re dividing our lives into two separate parts, work and everything else. This oversimplifies our lives and creates unnecessary tension between what we do for a living and all the other important things. Here’s why this approach falls short:
Work Isn’t the Enemy
Work is just one part of life, like family, health, hobbies, and friends. Viewing work as something we have to balance against life makes it seem like it’s competing with everything else instead of being a natural part of our well-being. As Stephen R. Covey said, “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
Ignoring Other Key Areas
Focusing solely on work and life often means neglecting other crucial areas that contribute to our overall happiness and growth, like mental health, personal development, and community involvement. These things matter too, but they can get lost in the balance act.
Life is Fluid
Life changes all the time. Our priorities shift, and our responsibilities evolve. Rigid ideas about balancing work and life don’t always fit, which can leave us feeling like we’re failing when things inevitably get out of sync. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving,” said Albert Einstein.
Embracing Life Balance
Life balance is about seeing the bigger picture and finding harmony among all the parts that make up our lives. It’s about giving each part the attention it deserves. Here’s how we can make it work:
Know What Matters
Work out what really matters to you. Is it family time, staying healthy, learning new things, improving your financial situation or giving back to your community? Knowing your priorities helps to focus your time and energy where it counts.
“It’s not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: “What are we busy about?” – Henry David Thoreau.
Set Boundaries
Work matters, but so does everything else. Set some boundaries that allow you to fully engage in your roles without the risk of burning out. This might mean setting different work hours, taking breaks, or asking for help at home when it’s needed.
Stay Present
Aim to be mindful of where you are and what you are doing, whether it’s a project at work, dinner with loved ones, or a quiet moment alone. Being present helps reduce stress and makes life more satisfying. “The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” – Thich Nhat Hanh.
Check In Regularly
Take stock of your life balance regularly. Are you neglecting your health or missing out on time with friends? Adjust as needed to keep all areas of your life in harmony. Set a time aside to check in weekly or monthly.
A simple exercise is to write the numbers 1-5 on a sheet of paper – against the numbers note the things you value most in life, in order of importance.
Again write the numbers 1-5 and this time write where you are spending the most time, from most to least.
Compare your two lists and if family is most important to you and you are spending the least amount of time on family – balance is not achieved. Life balance is achieved for you when your lists resemble each other the majority of the time. When you prioristise what is most important to you, you will begin to feel more balanced.
Stay Flexible
Life throws curveballs, and plans change. Aim to embrace flexibility, with a willingness to adjust your approach as life shifts. This adaptability helps maintain balance even when things get hectic. “Flexibility is the key to stability.” – John Wooden.
The Benefits of Life Balance
Moving away from thinking work-life balance to life balance brings a host of benefits:
- Overall Well-being
- Nurturing all parts of life leads to greater happiness and satisfaction. - Less Stress
- By NOT pitting work against the rest of your life, you can reduce internal conflicts that cause stress. - Stronger Relationships
- Investing in personal connections and interests builds a support network and will enrich your life. - Personal Growth
-Balancing all aspects of life fosters continuous learning and resilience. It takes practice.
Let’s step beyond the limited notion of work-life balance and embrace a holistic approach to our well-being. Life balance recognises the intricate wheel of life and how each part influences the whole. When our wheel of life is in balance, it rolls along with fewer bumps, stress and shakes. Life balance is about focusing on what truly matters to us individually and creating a life that feels full and meaningful in every aspect. “Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.” – Thomas Merton.
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