Be honest with yourself—how’s your work-life balance these days? Are you thriving, or do you feel like you’re just barely keeping your head above water? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
A recent survey by the global human resource group, Remote, went viral. The Philippines ranks second to the last place in the world for work-life balance. Out of 60 countries evaluated in the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024, the Philippines came in at 59th place. That’s tough to swallow. But don’t worry—we’re going to work through this together.
Do You Have Work-Life Balance?
Let’s start with a quick self-check. Grab a pen or just answer mentally:
1. Do you constantly think about work, even during weekends or family time?
2. Do you feel guilty when you’re not working?
3. Do you regularly miss important family events, social gatherings, or personal time because of work?
4. Do you struggle to take vacations or even just a day off without feeling anxious about work piling up?
5. Do you feel physically and emotionally drained at the end of each day?
6. Do you rely on coffee or energy drinks just to get through the day?
7. Do you check work emails or messages after working hours?
If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, your work-life balance is out of control—and it’s time to do something about it.
Why Work-Life Balance Matters
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about why this matters. Poor work-life balance isn’t just about feeling tired—it impacts your health, relationships, and overall happiness. Chronic stress from overwork can lead to burnout, weakened immune systems, and even serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression. On the flip side, finding balance means better health, stronger personal relationships, and greater productivity at work. Yes—working less (but smarter) actually makes you more effective!
How to Start Achieving Work-Life Balance
1. Set Boundaries—and Stick to Them
Start by setting clear work hours—and actually sticking to them. If your workday is supposed to end at 5:00 PM, stop working at 5:00 PM. This means logging off emails, not taking work calls, and resisting the temptation to “just check” that one last message. Your off-hours are sacred. Protect them.
Tip: Turn off work notifications after work hours. If it’s truly urgent, someone will call you directly.
2. Learn to Say “No”
Many of us struggle with this. We want to be team players, but saying “yes” to every task means you’re overloading yourself. Be honest about your workload. If you’re at full capacity, say so—respectfully, but firmly.
Example: Instead of saying, “Sure, I’ll handle that,” try: “I’d love to help, but my plate is full right now. Can we revisit this next week?”
3. Schedule Personal Time Like It’s a Work Meeting
Treat your personal time as a non-negotiable appointment. Whether it’s a workout, dinner with family, or a quiet coffee break—block it off in your calendar. Protect it the same way you would a meeting with your boss.
Tip: Set a recurring reminder for personal time on your phone. Make it official.
4. Don’t Confuse Being Busy with Being Productive
Working long hours doesn’t always mean you’re doing quality work. Focus on high-impact tasks rather than just checking off busywork. Prioritize what truly matters, and let go of the rest.
Tip: Try the Two-Minute Rule—if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. For bigger tasks, break them into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and improve focus.
5. Disconnect to Reconnect
We live in a hyper-connected world, but that doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7. Set tech-free zones at home—no phones during meals, no work emails after 8:00 PM, and no mindless scrolling before bed.
Example: Try putting your phone on airplane mode for an hour each evening. Your brain will thank you.
It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Work-life balance isn’t about achieving some perfect state where everything flows effortlessly. Life happens—deadlines pop up, emergencies arise—but the goal is to create a rhythm where work supports your life, not the other way around. Small, consistent changes will add up over time.
So, are you ready to take back control? Start small. Pick one or two tips from this list and apply them this week. You’ll be amazed at how even small adjustments can create big shifts in your overall well-being.
Remember: Work is important—but so is your life outside of it. You deserve both.
Let’s work smarter, live better, and finally find that balance. You’ve got this!
