Work-life balance: tips for a healthy equilibrium

“Healthy people, healthy business” is more than just a slogan – it’s a mindset. At Lifeguard, we believe that people who feel good are not only happier but also more productive and successful. A healthy work-life balance plays a crucial role in this. In our busy lives, we juggle many roles: employee, parent, partner, friend, volunteer, and so on. While remote work offers flexibility, it also brings challenges, such as the constant expectation to always be available. A good work-life balance is therefore not a luxury but an essential strategy for success and well-being.

A healthy work-life balance goes beyond simply dividing time between work and leisure. It means finding a dynamic equilibrium where you can fully develop both professionally and personally. The result is less stress, more energy, and increased satisfaction in both work and life. At Lifeguard, we believe that healthy people create healthy businesses. When you feel good, you spread positive energy like a virus to colleagues and family members. This creates an environment where everyone can perform at their best.

Balancing work and family can sometimes feel like juggling. But with a good work-life balance, it becomes much easier:

• Make a smart plan: Create a daily or weekly overview. Schedule rest periods as well, so you have space to switch between tasks.
• Involve your family: Transparency works. Discuss with family members when you’re available for them and when you need to focus.
• Communicate clearly at work: Discuss flexible work hours with your managers and colleagues. The clearer you are, the easier it is to maintain your balance.

Want to elevate your work-life balance? Lifeguard offers some strategies that really work:

1. Prioritize: What’s truly important to you? Consciously choose where your energy goes. Less is more – it prevents stress and brings satisfaction.
2. Set boundaries: Communicate clearly when you are available and when you are not. Strong boundaries reduce stress and provide clarity.
3. Reflect regularly: Your balance is constantly changing. Take deliberate moments to reassess priorities and adjust boundaries.
4. Make time for yourself: Time for yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. Schedule relaxation, such as exercising or pursuing hobbies. This keeps you energized and motivated.
5. Seek support: Notice you’re off balance? Find a coach or mentor who can help you set goals and maintain your balance. Sometimes, an objective perspective is exactly what you need.
6. Be kind to yourself: Accept that plans can change. Striving for perfection creates stress. Kindness towards yourself brings calm and space.

Working from home offers opportunities but requires discipline to maintain your work-life balance. Here’s how to prevent your personal life from being overwhelmed by work:

• Create a dedicated workspace: Having a separate area that you can physically close off at the end of the day provides mental relaxation.
• Set fixed working hours: Establish specific times for work and when to stop. This helps keep your work and personal life clearly separated.
• Incorporate transition time: Normally, you use commuting time to mentally switch off. Do this consciously when working from home as well, for example, with a short walk or a meditation session.

At Lifeguard, we strongly believe in “Energy as a Strategy.” Energy is dynamic, action-oriented, and essential for achieving a successful work-life balance. When you consciously work on your energy, it not only benefits your well-being but also boosts your productivity and creativity. Vitality is not a passive concept, but an active fuel that you can harness to perform and achieve results.

• What are the signs of a poor work-life balance?
  Constant fatigue, less personal time, and difficulty disconnecting from work.
• How can I better seperate work and personal life when working from home?
  Create a dedicated workspace, set clear working hours, and communicate your boundaries clearly.
• Which tools can help improve my balance?
  Consider coaching, leave policies, or practical time management apps.
• How do I discuss my work-life balance with my manager?
  Be transparent about your challenges and discuss solutions such as flexible hours or additional support.

A healthy work-life balance is an investment in yourself and your company. At Lifeguard, we are here to help you actively achieve that balance. Start today with small, intentional steps and discover how energetic and successful your life can be!