When was the last time you truly felt balanced?
Was it a fleeting moment of peace before the next wave of responsibilities hit? Or perhaps a rare day when your to-do list didn’t dictate your every move?
The misconception about work-life balance is that it focuses on time-management. However, real balance is learning when to push forward and when to pull back. It’s about protecting your energy and knowing how to rest without guilt.
Let’s put a pause on the overwhelming chaos we find ourselves in. Let’s talk about living with intention, clarity and balance.
The Myth of “Having It All”
The role of women in leadership positions is indispensable. Their presence is a catalyst for exceptional benefits, ranging from facilitating transformational leadership to improving team communication. Yet, can we really have it all?
The answer is yes, you can have anything you want, but not everything at once. Trying to be everywhere and do everything at the same time only leads to burnout.
Balance is about choosing what matters most in each moment. Some days, work will take priority. Other days, rest will. The key is knowing when to shift your focus, rather than trying to do it all at the same time.
How to Take Back Control of Your Time
1. Stick to Your Boundaries
Do you ever feel like you’re running on someone else’s schedule? There’s always a task to be completed, a submission to be sent and a chore to be done. Work will seep into your evenings, obligations will pile up and before you know it, your personal time will vanish.
This is when you can use boundaries like an armor made of steel. It might be difficult at first. People may challenge these lines and push against them. However, you owe it to yourself to stand firm and prioritize your well-being. Turn off your notifications after working hours, learn how to say no when you’re uncomfortable, protect your time like it’s your most valuable resource and surround yourself with those that respect, support and energize you.
Boundaries are not selfish—they’re necessary.
2. Learn to Delegate
Whether it’s at work or home, delegation is a survival skill. If a work task can be done by someone else, let them handle it. At home, you can share responsibilities instead of carrying everything on your own. If you’re worried about others not doing a good job, remember that progress and shared effort are our ultimate goals. Learning to trust others not only lightens your load but also empowers those around you to grow and contribute.
Delegation is self-awareness and compassion– it’s acknowledging and accepting your limits.
3. Prioritize Rest
“Time you enjoy wasting is not time wasted.”
We live in a world that glorifies the hustle business. Whether it’s working late at night or taking on one too many tasks, exhausting behavioral patterns are reinforced and encouraged. This is when it’s time to be intentional with your rest.
Because rest is not laziness—it’s fuel.
Start by sleeping like it matters. Take small breaks like stepping away from your screen to go outside and be mindful. Something as small as deep breathing has been shown to improve cognitive functioning and emotional regulation.
You don’t have to “earn” rest. It is your inherent right as a human being.
4. Make Time for What Brings You Joy
Work and non-work roles tend to blur and integrate when things become overwhelming. Many women report the predominance of work-related responsibilities that overshadow other aspects of their life. While it’s natural to sometimes be immersed in a career you invested in, let’s always give space to activities that bring you joy, no matter how small.
So, what makes you feel alive? What lights you up?
Try to make time for hobbies like reading, hiking or cooking. Call a friend. Have dinner with family. Just like you invested in your professional life, you can invest in your happiness as well.
5. Define Success on Your Own Terms
Success is multifaceted. It can mean work achievements, but it can also mean peace, happiness and fulfillment.
Ask yourself: What does success mean to me? If it’s having time for yourself, prioritizing mental health or spending quality time with loved ones, then make decisions that align with that. It’s time we chase our own definition of prosperity.
To cultivate self-worth and inner harmony is to live in a way that feels meaningful to you.
6. Have a Good Support System
Because when life gets heavy, it’s always nice to have someone to lean on. Good friends won’t just inspire you, but they can also provide unbelievable positive effects, such as decreasing the risk for diabetes and improving your psychological well-being. Research even shows that a bad support system is an element in the relationship between burnout and negative health consequences.
Remember, a good support system is not just those you share a laugh with. It could also be family, mentors and mental health professionals.
When Life Feels Unbalanced, Adjust the Course
Balance isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a constant adjustment.
It’s about constantly reflecting back when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Work-life balance is about taking back the agency for your time and energy.
When you make time for what matters, living the life of an inspiring, strong and talented woman becomes so magnificent and fulfilling.
Take a moment and ask yourself: What’s one small change I can make today to create more balance in my life?