Why the Work/Life Balance Conversation Keeps Missing the Point

Humans weren't designed to function like machines. The industrial revolution fueled this idea, pushing for maximum efficiency at any cost. But the truth is that we all have limits and pushing beyond them leads to eventual burnout.

Work and rest both have purpose. Work allows us to contribute meaningfully to others. Rest honors our limitations and lets us enjoy life's blessings. How do we maintain work/life balance? While I don’t have a specific answer for you, I can provide a helpful framework to consider:

1. Create buffer: cut out time-draining activities.

Identify and eliminate activities that leave you feeling purposeless, like doom scrolling or binge-watching. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn't enjoy a movie or TV series. I’m specifically speaking to activities that leave you feeling hollow after consumption. Make a list of these and swap them out with more intentional habits. Doing so will help free up your ability to be fully present and invested in your priorities.

2. Clear the clutter: recognize external pressures.

You also want to reflect on influences that pressure you to perform to certain standards. A recent promotion may lead to pressure for immediate results. An upcoming graduation might bring pressure to know how the future pans out. A leadership role can create pressure to have all the answers. What you want is to be able to guard against societal expectations that hijack your time and energy and protect your genuine priorities.

3. Cultivate enjoyment: embrace life-giving activities.

What are the activities that bring you the most joy and fulfillment, regardless of compensation? Sometimes rest can mean ceasing activity and other times it can mean engaging in more activities that truly restore your soul. For me, that could mean listening to podcasts or books while doing chores. It could also look like prioritizing mentally draining tasks earlier in the day, leaving more energy for family time later. Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that can make biggest improvements.

Are you working from your rest or constantly needing a rest from your work?

Consider how you might infuse more rest into work and create buffer by actually making time for the things you enjoy in life.