How can I maintain a healthy balance between work and free time?

Finding a balance between work life and personal life can be a challenge, especially at a time when many companies have slashed their ranks–and expect more from the survivors. If you have a corporate job you love, it's easy to pour your heart, soul, and every waking hour into it. Or, if your job is lack-luster, it's probable that you are pursuing a passion project, forcing you to work late nights and on weekends. And that's wonderful—you should give it your all. But whether your career is your life or you have a "side hustle" when your day job is done, the key to joy inevitably lies in balance.

Our bodies and minds can only handle so much work and pressure, and though we may love what we do, if our work becomes our life, we will eventually burn out mentally... or even burn bridges with those we love. But the good news is that by being proactive about balance early on, you can become even more effective at work.

Here are 8 ways to achieve better work life balance:

Learn Your Employer’s Policies. Inquire about your company’s policies on flextime and working from home. If you’re a strong performer, you have a better chance of negotiating an arrangement that works for both you and your employer.

Communicate. If you won’t be available for certain hours during the day or weekend because you’re dealing with family issues, let your manager and colleagues know, and get their full support.

Use Technology to Your Advantage. Technology should help make your life easier, not control it. Ban technology at certain times so that you can focus on your family or friends.

Telecommute. Telecommuting a few times a week could help free up valuable hours. You’ll be able to focus on work for long stretches at a time and use the extra hours to meet personal responsibilities.

Learn to Say “No.” Remember that you can respectfully decline offers to run the PTA or serve on an extra committee at work. When you stop doing things out of guilt, you’ll find more time to focus on the activities that truly bring you joy.

Fight the Guilt. Superwoman–and Superman–are fictional characters. Real people can’t devote 100% to everything they do. Stop feeling guilty if you miss an occasional soccer game or bail on a colleague’s going-away party.

Rethink Your Idea of “Clean.” Unmade beds or dusty moldings are not signs of failure. Try to get used to a little messiness and spend more time enjoying your life. If you can afford to outsource help, pay someone else to clean your house.

Protect Your Private Time. Allow yourself to daydream in the subway or appreciate good weather on your walk to work. If you don’t allow yourself pockets of personal time, you’ll become too burned out to fully appreciate any part of your life.

As a lifetime learner and having completed two degree programs online, I am very familiar with the value of work-life balance. While I completed my Master's degree and coursework for my doctoral program, I found that setting time frames helped with balance. Setting a structured schedule for school work and playtime are critical. I am a night-owl, so I worked mostly late nights. Depending on if you work full time, part time, or at all makes a huge difference as well. If you do not work, I would suggest doing your school work during business hours, which then will allow free time in the evenings. If you complete assignments early, then move on to the next so it's done and ready when it is due. No matter what, I always gave myself Sunday for me as often as possible (life happens). If you do work, then I would allot a few hours per day for school work, and choose Saturday or Sunday to have completely free. For example, if you work FT 8-5, then I would work on school from 7-9 each day, and take Sunday to relax. If you work a midday shift, say 11-7, then I would get up early and work on school 8-10, or do an hour before work and an hour after work. The same structure for second and third shift jobs. I also utilized lunch breaks as well. The overall key to finding the balance is structure and dedication. You have to remain dedicated to your chosen schedule so that everything gets done and flows smoothly. Most importantly, so you always have time for you. Making time for yourself to do whatever brings you pleasure is very important for a healthy mind, body, and soul. I hope this helps!!

As a professional there is little time to do anything. Personally, I always take a day off for myself to participate in a sport or gym. My schedule is always organized throughout every month and always take 15 minutes a day for myself even if is to drink a cup of coffee and meditate. I always take a day off whenever I think I need to regroup and revitalize myself. I try to take at least 6 hours sleep every night, that has helped me a lot. Making time for yourself is paramount despite all your daily duties.

Pace yourself. Focus on taking care of your health first. You will need it forever.