It’s getting harder to do, but it’s not impossible.

Once upon a time, people went to work in the morning, finished later in the afternoon and then had the evening to themselves and their family. Their lives were neatly compartmentalized and it made for a simpler existence.

Fast-forward to today, when the lines between work time and personal time have become blurred. We live in a non-stop world where technology has enabled rapid globalization, leading to a frenzied 24/7 lifestyle.

58% of Canadians report ‘overload’ associated with their many roles -- work, home and family, friends, physical health, volunteer and community service*

Here are three tips to help you restore some semblance of work-life balance:

1) Technology giveth. If you have the flexibility to work from home (occasionally or regularly), this can help tremendously. Think of the roundtrip commuting time and hassle you can avoid, plus the ability to throw in a load of laundry during times you’d normally take a short break at the office. Many companies are moving towards a remote workplace, giving employees home access to the same technology as at the office. If you have the option and the discipline to get work done at home, give it a try.  

2) Technology taketh away. With so many personal electronic devices around, it’s easy -- too easy -- to be plugged into work at all times of the day and night. We often feel obligated to be accessible, but every minute spent on work when you’re away from the office is a minute you don’t get to spend enjoying personal or family pursuits. Try to avoid your phone when having dinner with the family or out at an event. Aside from emergencies, most work can wait -- especially when you’re on vacation!

3) Learn to say no (and mean it). This is tough for many people because we don’t want to shirk our responsibilities or not be a team player. However, you can’t feel guilty about not wanting work to consume your life. You’re entitled to your personal time! Talk to your boss and colleagues to find creative ways to get all the work done, while still leading a reasonably balanced life. Chances are, everyone is facing similar issues and will welcome ideas on improving overall efficiency and workflow.

While it’s great that we have the capacity to be more productive than in years past, it can take a toll on us over time as work and personal demands compete for our time. We know that the breakdown of work-life balance can be damaging to our physical and mental health. 

As with most things, it’s all about finding what works for you -- since balance can mean different things to different people.