Work-life balance is a delicate balance between the time and effort you spend at work (and commuting) and your time with your family, friends, and other personal interests. It is essential for both your professional and emotional well-being. 

A recent Maru Public Opinion survey undertaken for ADP Canada reveals that while 67% of working Canadians report feeling satisfied at work, 34% admit having trouble setting boundaries between work and personal life—especially those who are young employees.

34% of employees report that they cannot set boundaries at work when it comes to preserving their work-life balance.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada recently expressed that “recent events have highlighted the need for change in how we do business, manage operations, and provide psychologically safe space for the workforce. What we perceived as “working” before, it would seem, is no longer working.”

For this reason, both managers and employees should take action and address work-life balance. Achieving it can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, it's possible to create a healthy balance that works for you. Here are six easy-to-apply steps to ensure work-life balance:

1. Plan Your Time Wisely

The first thing to pay attention to when looking for a healthy work-life balance is how we manage our time. Take the time to plan your schedule, prioritize your tasks, and set realistic goals for each day. Use calendars, to-do lists, or productivity apps to help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Check ten Project Management apps that will help you save time and increase productivity.

2. Set Boundaries

Define clear limits around work hours and making time for your personal life. As Jill Fagan suggested in one of The 17th Floor’s webinars, you could set a specific time to stop working each day, turn off your work notifications after a particular time, or designate one day a week as a "no work" day. These boundaries will help you manage your time effectively and ensure that you have time for the things that matter most to you outside work.

3. Learn to Say No

Speaking of setting boundaries, learning to say no is essential to achieving a work-life balance, but it is not always easy. In our hyperactive world, people tend to say yes to every request or invitation, but this can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed and burned out.

Try to prioritize your commitments and learn to say no to the things that are not essential or do not align with your priorities. This will allow you to create more space for the things that matter most to you.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial for achieving work-life balance. Make time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit, such as exercise, a hobby you enjoy, or spending time with loved ones. Prioritizing self-care will help you recharge your batteries and improve your overall well-being, which will help you be more productive and effective at work.

Everyday Health created a great list with 76 self-care ideas you can try to take care of yourself. If you give them a try, please let us know in the comments which ones worked for you.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment or distraction. Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, increase focus, and improve the overall sense of well-being.

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, meditate, or just focus on the present moment. Check three top-rated apps for mindfulness suggested by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

6. Create a Support System

Having a support system can be a powerful tool in achieving a work-life balance because it creates a sense of community and connection, which can help you to feel more balanced and fulfilled.

It could be a group of friends or family members who can provide emotional support, a mentor or coach who can offer guidance and advice, or even a therapist who can help you work through personal or professional challenges.