Work-life balance

Work-life balance means giving enough time and energy to work and to everything else that matters: family, friends, rest, health, interests. There is no ideal split; what suits a student differs from what suits a parent of three. What matters is that no part of life is consistently squeezed out.

Why it matters - Health. Long-term work stress is linked to anxiety, poor sleep and burnout. The World Health Organization defines burn-out as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, marked by exhaustion, mental distance from the job and reduced effectiveness. - Relationships. Time and attention are what close relationships need. - Children. Children notice how adults handle work and rest. See nurturing emotional intelligence. - Performance. Rested people think better and make fewer errors.

Why it is hard - Email and messages follow us home. - Work expectations or job insecurity. - Caring responsibilities, including for children and older relatives. - Cost of living pressures that push people to work more hours. - Perfectionism and difficulty saying no. See perfectionism. - Teaching and caring jobs have no natural end: there is always more to do. See supporting teachers.

Signs it has tipped Constant tiredness, irritability, dreading work, resentment, neglecting health or relationships, or relying on alcohol or caffeine to get through. The Health and Safety Executive in the UK provides guidance for employers and employees on work-related stress.

Ideas that help 1. Be clear what matters. Write down your top priorities in life and check the week against them. 2. Set boundaries: a time to stop, no email at certain hours, a day without work. 3. Plan the week, including rest and exercise, before filling it with tasks. 4. Say no or ask for help, without over-explaining. 5. Make the most of breaks, and take holidays. 6. Protect sleep. See the NHS advice on sleep. 7. Talk to your manager or colleagues about workload; many problems can be fixed by changing expectations. 8. Do something you enjoy that is not for work.

Is it good for mental health? Yes: balance supports mental health, but it cannot cure a mental health problem. If stress or low mood is affecting your life, see your GP; the NHS has information on stress and where to get help.

For families Talk about the family's calendar, share chores, and make time for meals and play. The best gift you can give children is a parent who is present, not perfect.