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Episode 02 | What is work/life balance and how do I know if I have it?

by Niamh Moynihan on
Happiness at Work Well-being at Work

Episode Summary 

 In this episode, host Niamh Moynihan dives into the nuanced and often misunderstood concept of work-life balance.

Through insightful analogies (like the delicious cake of life), Niamh offers a fresh perspective on creating a sense of balance that works for your current season of life.

Whether you’re thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, this episode provides practical tips and thought-provoking questions to help you reassess and refine your work-life balance.

Key Takeaways

Rethinking Work-Life Balance:

  • t’s not about equally splitting time between work and life but about ensuring the right “ingredients” are present in the right amounts for your current season.
  • Life is multifaceted—work, family, hobbies, health, and personal growth all play a role.

Understanding Your Season of Life:

  • Work-life balance needs evolve as your circumstances change (e.g., starting a family, shifting priorities, or career changes).
  • If you’re not currently struggling with balance, it may simply mean your current season aligns well with your commitments.

Using the Balance Wheel:

  • Visualise your life as a “wheel” or a “cake” divided into segments like work, health, family, finances, and personal growth.
  • Rate each area from 0 to 10 to identify where you may be over-investing or neglecting.
  • Adjust priorities by dialling back in some areas (e.g., moving work from a 9 to an 8) to make space for others.

Integrators vs. Separators:

  • Integrators: Blend work and personal life seamlessly (e.g., taking a work call while on a walk).
  • Separators: Keep work and personal time distinct (e.g., no work emails after hours).
  • Neither approach is “right” or “wrong”—understand your preference and plan accordingly.

Min and Max Time Limits:

  • Use minimum times for activities you want to increase (e.g., “I will spend at least 10 minutes a day moving my body”).
  • Use maximum times to reduce overcommitment (e.g., “I will spend no more than 3 hours a day in meetings”).

Flexibility Is Key:

  • Overly rigid plans can cause unnecessary stress—allow for flexibility to adapt to life’s surprises.

Practical Tips from the Episode:

  • Check Your Balance: Use the balance wheel to visualise areas of overinvestment or neglect.
  • Assess a Regular Day: Ask yourself, “What does a Tuesday look like for me?” to identify potential imbalances.
  • Set Non-Negotiables: Identify what matters most to you right now and prioritise it.

Until next time, stay well and have a better workday.

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