This Is Why
Work-Life Balance
is Critical to Good
Health
Work-life balance happens when you find a
way to enjoy life while still doing well at work.
Without that balance, both your work and home
life suffer.
"Employees who believe they do not have time
for the personal life feel drained and distracted
while they are at work," management professor
Christine M. Riordan writes for Harvard Busi-
ness Review.
Lack of balance is not a problem just for women, as popular culture implies. Rather, it is
important for everyone.The problem is, without balance, you are at risk for fatigue and
poor health, along with lost time with loved ones and increased expectations at work that
lead to even more hours, according to Mayo Clinic.
In addition to being tired from working many hours, other health problems
arise. For example, one study found stress is the No. 1 health issue in the workplace,
which leads to unhealthy behaviors such as "fast food consumption, inadequate sleep,
smoking, alcohol use, low physical activity levels and reduced use of health care ser-
vices," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Finding a work-life balance doesn't mean you have to become a lackluster employee.
Rather, you should join your work and home life into one life, so all your roles — partner,
parent, friend, employee — flow together.
"Even in the busiest of schedules, the most practical and effective way we can live is by
aligning our personal priorities of work, family, health and well-being," Riordan writes.
"Such realignment can bring huge gains in emotional and physical energy, not to men-
tion greater clarity and focus at work."
"You can't manufacture time,
mayoclinic.org says. "If you don't set
limits, then work or other obligations can
leave you with no time for the activities and
relationships you enjoy."
