How to Find Work-Life Balance in a Fast-Paced World

In a world that moves at the speed of instant messaging and 24-hour services, burnout is almost inevitable. Especially with remote work people like me, the line between home and office often blurs when you’re answering a work email before bed. Striking the right balance isn’t about clocking out at 5 p.m. sharp every day—it’s about creating a schedule that supports both your professional goals and your personal well-being.

Why It Matters

When I first started working from home, I thought skipping my commute would free up more time for myself. It did, but I found myself answering late-night emails and checking Slack before breakfast. The lines between work and home life became blurred. Eventually, I realized that being always available didn’t make me more productive—it made me live in my office.

Strategies for Better Balance

1 Set Clear Boundaries
It’s hard to set a clear work schedule (some people do) when you’re working with people in more than one time zone. I find it easier to work in time blocks. This way, I can still check my email at night after hours, but I’m not constantly responding to messages throughout the day, whenever they happen to land on my desk.

2 Prioritize Tasks
I like to start the day off with an easy task so I immediately feel like I’ve accomplished something. Then I tackle the tasks that must be done that day, and work on the tasks that don’t have deadlines last. If the time-sensitive task is something I loathe doing, I reward myself with a snack when I’m done.

3 Take Breaks
Working from home gives you easy access to YouTube and streaming TV. I use break times to watch a few videos, take a walk, or have a snack. (If the work that day is stressful, I take more breaks.)

4 Make Time for What Matters
Whether it’s reading a book before bed or having dinner with family, these moments are important. I block off a few hours a day for “me time,” social time, and study time. 

5 Communicate Openly
When you work remotely, the office isn’t as aware if you’re struggling with work issues. I need to take the responsibility of telling my manager when I’m stretched thin, and need deadlines adjusted and tasks reallocated. This is the best way to establish some boundaries and protect your mental health.

The Takeaway

Work-life balance isn’t always easy to achieve. Some weeks will be harder than others, but regularly checking in with yourself makes all the difference. By protecting your personal time, you protect your energy, creativity, and motivation.