Work-life balance is concerned with how each aspect of your week is prioritised and managed for not only well-being but also the enrichment of both your professional and personal time.

A good work-life balance can provide a range of mental health benefits, including greater satisfaction with your quality of life and lower levels of stress. Physical benefits include better energy levels and longer life expectancy. A healthy work-life balance can also help prevent burnout, increase levels of employee satisfaction and boost productivity.

Maintaining a good work-life balance can seem like a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. There are manageable changes you can make to achieve harmony between your professional and personal life.

If you’re looking for a simple solution to help foster an excellent work-life balance, try to incorporate a few of the tactics outlined below.

Integrate, don’t try to balance

The term balance suggests an equal 50/50 split. Substituting the word “integration” for “balance” is likely to be a more realistic goal. When you integrate something, you blend two things to make a new whole with no expectation of complete balance.

Some days favour your personal life, and other days your work will get the lion’s share of your attention. As long as the ebb and flow are reasonable and acceptable, you can maintain your happiness and health.

It’s okay to say no
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount you have to do in one or even both areas of your life, think very carefully before saying 'yes' to anything else. If you are someone who agrees to do tasks or take on responsibilities only to regret it later, learning to say 'no' (without guilt) could prove invaluable. Remember, it is not a sign of weakness to recognize when you simply can't do something.

Guard your boundaries
Using an integrated calendar to record both work and home activities allow you to prioritize and set aside time to exercise, help your children with their homework or even practice self-care.

Having this time visible to you (and others) can ensure family time and other important priorities are guarded.

Get off the grid
Try muting cellphones and electronic devices during family mealtimes or children’s bedtimes so that you can be fully present. That way, you won't be tempted to check that email when you hear an alert sound during dinner.

Remember: we work to live, not the other way around. So, don't forget to eat, sleep and exercise!