Achieving a healthy work-life balance is more than just a buzzword—it’s essential for long-term well-being and professional success. In today’s fast-paced, remote-friendly work culture, setting boundaries between work and personal life can feel increasingly difficult.
While perfection may be unrealistic, even small, consistent efforts—like scheduling breaks, establishing transition rituals, and limiting nonessential notifications—can make a meaningful difference. Studies consistently link strong work-life balance with improved job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and enhanced overall performance.
If you’re unsure how to begin or feel overwhelmed by the idea of balance, you’re not alone. To help, we’ve gathered practical strategies that have worked for our own team—realistic, adaptable approaches you can start applying today to bring more clarity and calm into your daily routine.
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Real Strategies from Our Team to Achieve Better Work-Life Balance
Striking a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being isn’t always easy—especially in today’s hybrid or remote work environments. But with the right mindset and practical adjustments, it’s entirely possible. Our team has shared the strategies they personally use to preserve their time, energy, and mental health. From setting boundaries to embracing flexibility, here are some tried-and-true ways we maintain a sustainable work-life balance.
Snooze or Delete Work Apps After Hours
Managing app notifications is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to separate work from personal life.
Editor Sarah Matysiak keeps work apps on her phone for convenience, but she disables email alerts and snoozes app notifications outside business hours. “I’ll eat breakfast in front of my computer, but I’m getting better at keeping lunchtime just to myself,” she shares.
Senior Editor Kenny Thapoung takes a more decisive approach—he deletes work apps entirely while on vacation to avoid the temptation to check in.
Manager Heidi Smith sets strong boundaries after work. “When I log off, I set Slack to ‘out of office,’ pause notifications, and close the office door,” she says. During vacations, she even removes Slack from her home screen. “Anyone who needs to reach me knows how.”
2. Create a Dedicated Work Space
Many of us maintain a specific area in our homes that’s solely used for work. This clear boundary helps signal to the brain when it’s time to be productive—and when it’s time to unplug. For our team, this rule includes no checking messages or emails outside of this space.
Set (and Stick to) Defined Work Hours
Establishing structured work hours can dramatically reduce the risk of burnout.
Editor Morgan Mandriota used to respond to work communications at all hours, sometimes until 11 p.m. That changed when she implemented a hard cutoff. “Now, I restrict myself to working no later than 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. My nights and weekends are always free.”
Stay Flexible When It Works for You
While rigid schedules work for some, others thrive with a more fluid approach.
Editor Ginger Wojcik prefers to align her work hours with her natural energy. She may run errands or take extended walks midday and make up time later. “This going-with-the-flow approach feels like working with my brain, instead of against it.”
Take Breaks Intentionally
Regular breaks aren’t a luxury—they’re essential.
Health Coach Kristin Taylor Carlisle emphasizes the importance of stepping away during the day. Whether it’s gardening, walking, or playing with her kids, she makes time to recharge. “If we work through our breaks and don’t care for ourselves, we won’t be able to show up fully in all aspects of our lives.”
Editor Naomi Farr also defends her downtime. “My non-work time is sacred, and this is why I don’t work in daily news,” she says, adding that she takes her 30-minute lunch break every day without fail.
Use Your PTO—and Plan Ahead
Editor Mike Hoskins makes a point to take two vacations per year—one in spring and another in the fall. To protect his mental health, he proactively manages small tasks before and after time off to minimize stress. “I know my mental health on PTO and after depends on not playing so much catchup.”
Build Transitions Into Your Day
When working remotely, ending the workday can feel ambiguous. That’s why transition rituals help.
Editor Catherine Connelly uses activities like cooking or exercise to signal the end of her workday. “It can be different each day, but just making that deal with myself for when work stops is helpful—as if I were leaving the office to drive home.”
Farr agrees and physically moves her workspace to help shift her mindset. “I spend mornings in my home office because that’s when I’m most productive, but sometimes in the afternoon, I’ll move to the kitchen table or another area of the house to break things up.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the title mean?
The title highlights that the article shares practical, real-world tips our own team uses to improve work-life balance. It signals authenticity and applicability—these aren’t generic suggestions, but proven habits.
Who is this article for?
This piece is ideal for employees, remote workers, managers, and anyone seeking realistic ways to manage work and personal life more effectively.
Why focus on “real strategies”?
“Real strategies” implies that these are personally tested methods, not just theoretical advice. It gives the title credibility and builds trust with the reader.
Why mention “our team”?
Referencing “our team” adds a human element—the tips come from real professionals with varying roles and schedules, making the advice more relatable and diverse.
What does the title promise?
It promises that readers will learn specific, actionable techniques for achieving better balance—backed by actual team experiences rather than general tips.
Conclusion
Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all formula—it’s a dynamic, ongoing process that requires intention, boundaries, and flexibility. As our team’s experiences show, even small adjustments—like snoozing notifications, defining workspace boundaries, or being more mindful of breaks—can have a significant impact on both well-being and productivity.
Whether you’re striving to reclaim your evenings, make better use of your PTO, or simply create healthier routines, the key is to find what aligns with your personal needs and values. By learning from each other and committing to consistent self-care, we can all move closer to a more fulfilling, balanced life—both at work and beyond.
