In the fast-paced and stressful world of modern business, maintaining a healthy work-life balance takes conscious effort. Balance is achieved when you have a job that meets your needs and doesn't interfere with your personal life, and your personal life doesn't hurt your effectiveness at work. Not only is this healthy and necessary for you as an individual — it will also help your work performance. Learn more about what constitutes a healthy work-life balance and how to use this balance to achieve optimal personal development.

Signs of an Unhealthy Work-Life Balance

When your work and personal life are out of balance, you're more likely to feel stressed and irritable. You may not have control of your work schedule, and work and home life can bleed into one another, impacting your personal development. You may take personal calls at work and work calls at home, distracting you from where you are in the moment. You may feel like you don't have time for hobbies or adequate sleep, you might experience insomnia due to stress, and you'll make mistakes often, whether at work or at home.

What Happens When You're Out of Balance?

Having a poor work-life balance makes you less effective at work, as your attention is divided, and your stress and lack of rest cause more mistakes. Meanwhile, being preoccupied with work can damage your relationships and personal development, causing friction with significant others and leading you to miss important life opportunities. The constant stress takes a toll on your health, too. In the short term, you're more likely to catch colds and other minor illnesses, and in the long term, chronic stress increases your risk of heart disease.

How Can You Balance Your Life?

First, commit to separating home life and work. Refrain from answering work calls and emails at home whenever possible, and tell family members not to call you at work unless it's an emergency. At work, take control of your schedule. Options such as flex time and working from home can help you stay flexible and fit your commitments. Build ways to relieve stress into your routine, such as taking short breaks as needed at work and unwinding with a relaxing hobby at home. Some extra rest and stress relief will make you more effective when you come back to work and household tasks alike. Talk to a life coach for tips on managing your time effectively, setting attainable goals, and prioritizing tasks.

Peggy Sealfon-Stonewater Studio is one of America's most accomplished life coaches. Based in Naples, FL and attending conferences across the US, Peggy works with individuals and businesses to relieve stress, increase productivity, promote communication, and focus on personal development. To start on your path to a healthier work-life balance, call (239) 821-2266 or learn more online.