Is Work Life Balance Real?   

A common theme among high-performing individuals, in virtually any industry, is that we are all busy. In fact, you might say “busy” is the new “successful” – which makes you wonder, is work-life balance real? Can you be successful and rest in the same realm?  

60% of Americans don’t believe it’s possible according to a Pew Research study, where 6 in 10 people reported feeling too busy to enjoy life. For parents, that number climbed over 70%. 

While it may not always feel like it, I believe work-life balance is attainable and it should be a key focus for everyone. The why is obvious – overextending yourself with obligations and goals has real emotional consequences (think heightened anxiety, stress and depression).  

But people tend to lean towards the belief that an eight-hour day of work means eight full hours of productivity – and judge themselves accordingly. Are you guilty of looking at the rings on your Apple Watch and wondering, how have I been at my desk for four hours without getting up? Ever look up at the clock around 3:00 p.m., wondering why you haven’t had lunch yet?  Me, too.  

Turning work-life balance from a buzz phrase to an applied practice means setting boundaries and incorporating changes – and it starts at work. Go with the low-hanging fruit first: Include breaks in your workday.  

Stand up, move, stretch. Get some fresh air and sunshine. Stay hydrated. The work will always be there for you to come back to.  

In yoga, they say the hardest part of practice is making it to your mat. Well, the same can be said for taking breaks. Make it a practice to go out to lunch with your co-workers and do not talk about work! Put your cell phones away or implement a rule that the first person to look at their phone pays the bill for everyone. Simple practices to break up your workday (including leaving your desk!) help you feel less stressed about going home at the end of the day.   

Now for my favorite part, home life. Your self-care, your relationships, your personal goals, and dreams! You must really consider what you want to do and commit yourself to doing it – plus set boundaries accordingly – to achieve harmony. Whether you want to hike, create works of art, start a second business or volunteer, you must commit to doing those things after work and on the weekends. 

  
Plan ahead, book a trainer, make lunch dates, subscribe to a book club, or buy those tickets now for the concerts you want to attend. Set the tone for what matters most and schedule the time off in advance. PTO is part of your compensation packet for a reason – use it!  Set the example to your team by also setting boundaries while you are out – don't call, email or text. 

At RPM, we’re proud to have some of the industry’s top leaders, and we’re excited to share their Leader POV with you on their areas of expertise and on hot topics in business to help you learn, grow and gain a fresh perspective. Read more on our blog.

The line between work and life isn't just blurred in today's world—it's practically invisible. The old idea of keeping them separate or “balanced”? It doesn’t really fit anymore. While some might manage to compartmentalize beautifully, most of us experience an overlap between work and life. And that overlap, or blend, is where we find opportunities to recharge, refuel, and refocus, whether in an office, working remotely, or on the clock in a more structured setting.  

With the different work environments and the constant buzz of being online, work and personal time boundaries have become more fluid – and not in a good way. This shift calls for a new approach to balancing our time and energy. And here's the thing—this balance is personal. What works for one person might be entirely different for someone else, and that's okay.  

Recharge: Make Flexibility Work for You  
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic was the flexibility of our workday. Corporate offices went from largely in-person workplaces to remote overnight. Work-from-home (WFH) may sound like a luxury, but it comes with some warnings. With the new “flexible” workplaces – we’ve seen an unprecedented uptick in burnout due to the very technology that has enabled the remote employee. Burnout is real, and creating flexibility, whether in the office or remotely, that works for you is the best way to keep it at bay.   

And flexibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, especially for those with less control over their work hours. Still, it’s about finding small ways to recharge, no matter your schedule.   
Use your breaks wisely—take a short walk, practice deep breathing, or find a quiet spot to rest your mind for a few minutes. The key is figuring out what helps you recharge—without comparing yourself to others.  

Refuel: Prioritize What Feels Right  
Balance starts with prioritizing your well-being in a way that makes sense for you. If you’re working hourly shifts, this might mean getting enough rest on your days off, fueling your body with healthy meals, or carving out time for activities that bring you joy, even if just for a few minutes each day. And don’t forget to set boundaries—leave work stress at work when your shift ends. Saying no when needed is crucial to avoid burnout.    

Refocus: Connect with What Matters  
Focus on what really matters. Connecting your work with your values and passions makes it more meaningful. Even if your job isn’t your life’s passion, bringing your interests into your day can make work more fulfilling. Whether it’s connecting with coworkers who share your interests, setting personal goals, or taking pride in doing your job well, these small shifts can help.  

Achievable Tips for Work-Life Balance:  
Use Breaks Wisely: Step away from work mentally and physically during breaks. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or stretching can help you recharge.  

Set Boundaries: Leave work stress at work. Focus on activities that help you unwind after your shift ends.  
Prioritize Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep, especially on your days off. A well-rested body and mind are better equipped for work.  

Find Small Moments of Joy: Enjoy little things during your day, like a good meal, a quick chat with a coworker, or a favorite podcast on your commute.  

Recognizing that work and life are intertwined helps us better navigate today’s challenges. By embracing the flexibility that works for you, focusing on your well-being, and aligning your work with your passions, you can find that sweet spot where you recharge, refuel, and refocus. That’s where you’ll unlock your full potential for a fulfilling, meaningful life. 

At RPM, we’re proud to have some of the industry’s top leaders, and we’re excited to share their Leader POV with you on their areas of expertise and on hot topics in business to help you learn, grow and gain a fresh perspective. Read more on our blog.