Gone are the days when “clocking out” meant freedom from emails, client calls, and deadlines. In a world where smartphones double up as office desks and kitchen tables become makeshift boardrooms, balancing life and work has evolved from a luxury into a survival skill. Now, especially in hybrid and remote setups, the boundary between professional […]
Gone are the days when “clocking out” meant freedom from emails, client calls, and deadlines. In a world where smartphones double up as office desks and kitchen tables become makeshift boardrooms, balancing life and work has evolved from a luxury into a survival skill. Now, especially in hybrid and remote setups, the boundary between professional and personal time is increasingly blurring. Work life balance isn’t about splitting equal time between your working life and your leisure time. Instead, it’s about consciously managing energy, attention, and priorities.
The consequences of a work life imbalance are far from abstract. According to the World Health Organisation, burnout, now officially recognised as an occupational phenomenon, is caused by chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It manifests through exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced productivity. As per a report, 44% of employees worldwide experience significant daily stress.
Digitalisation was meant to make lives easier, but instead, people are now hooked to their devices. While the flexibility of remote work is a blessing in many ways, it has also led to an “always-available” culture where work hours extend to evenings, weekends, or even holidays.
A major culprit is the illusion of multitasking. Endless notifications through social media apps, and video calls, has led to a culture where you are expected to be everywhere at once, productive, available, responsive, and energised. This feeds into the hustle culture that suggests that success only comes to those who work around the clock.
A 2021 study stated that 54% of employees felt overworked, while 39% said they felt exhausted. In this article we shall look at ways to achieve a better work-life balance.
The solution lies in small, consistent shifts that protect your time, energy, and well-being.
Setting firm boundaries is important to reclaiming your time. It could be something as simple as stepping out, shutting your laptop or changing clothes.
Stop trying to do everything. Start doing what matters. Frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix help you focus on what truly moves the needle with structuring tasks based on importance and priority.
Your calendar should not just reflect meetings and deadlines, but should also include “you”. Block out time for personal activities just as you would for a client call.
Let’s be honest, most of us are addicted to our screens. And not just for work. Social media doom-scrolling, endless WhatsApp messages, and YouTube rabbit holes only compound mental fatigue. Try unplugging intentionally. Begin with one evening a week, maybe a No-Tech Sunday.
Wellness does not necessarily mean bubble baths and spa days. It could be therapy, journaling, enjoying a leisurely lunch with friends and family, playing a sport or simply going for a walk.
Saying “yes” to every project, every favour, every extra shift might win you temporary approval, but it also invites chronic exhaustion. A well-placed “no” is not selfish; it’s self-preservation.
Sometimes, achieving a work-life balance is about knowing when to step away and reconnecting with yourself and your surroundings. If you are working in Bermondsey, consider it an opportunity. This vibrant London district blends history, creativity, and culinary charm all in one postcode. Once a centre for leather tanners, its cobbled streets and converted warehouses now house everything from artisan bakeries to cutting-edge art spaces.
Balancing life and work should be a daily, conscious practice. Some days, the scales will tip in favour of your job. Other days, you may prioritise your health, your family, or simply rest. Your balance is yours to define.
If you’re looking for a workspace that supports this approach to balancing life and work, Garden Office Bermondsey offers an ideal solution. Located in the lively Bermondsey area, this coworking space offers an ideal solution. Their coworking spaces are flexible and foster connection without compromising on independence. Whether you like to work in quiet corners or collaborative environments, you can work on your terms, without the isolation that often comes with remote setups. It makes a great choice for freelancers, startups, and established businesses. Every space is crafted here to support focus, creativity, and a more balanced work life. Because where you work matters just as much as how you work.
Book a visit to explore the offices.
