Why is Balancing Work and Life Important?

Bing. Another email. Bzzzz. A text message. Bloop-bloop. An incoming video call. In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, email and text alerts arrive at all hours, deadlines creep into weekends and personal time is often the first thing sacrificed.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance amid the chaos and clamor can feel about as impossible as capturing a cloud. But what does work-life balance truly mean — and why does it matter?

What is the Meaning of Work-life Balance?

Work-life balance is the state of equilibrium where a person effectively manages the demands of their job while maintaining a fulfilling personal life, according to Dr. Kendra Thomas, an assistant vice president of People Experience and Inclusion at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

“To me, work-life balance is fundamentally about well-being,” she said. “It means honoring my health needs, setting clear boundaries with work and cultivating a sense of fulfillment in my professional life.”

Thomas, a military veteran, brings decades of experience to her role at SNHU, where she promotes diversity, equity and inclusion with a focus on employee engagement and retention. Her expertise in restorative practices helps foster a supportive workplace for SNHU employees.

Why is it Hard to Balance Work and Life?

Balancing work and life can be difficult, particularly in industries where long hours and constant availability are normalized. And with remote work becoming commonplace over the past five years, the line between professional and personal space is often blurry, making it harder to “clock out” mentally. Other barriers to balance include heavy workloads, unrealistic expectations and, according to Thomas, lack of support in the workplace.

Thomas knows firsthand that balancing your personal life and work can be challenging. She's a mom and wife — and someone who lives with a disability — and is always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow.

She said it’s essential to recognize when you begin to struggle with a work-life imbalance before it becomes overwhelming and unmanageable.

“Pay attention to how you're feeling… And know that it's perfectly acceptable to talk to your manager about finding a better balance,” Thomas said. “You deserve support.”

Can Poor Work-life Balance Make You Sick?

The physical consequences of poor work-life balance can be far-reaching, beyond just feeling tired or irritable. Over time, the imbalance can lead to job burnout, according to an article by the Mayo Clinic, which notes that burnout causes chronic stress that can trigger a host of physical and mental health problems, including:

• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Type-2 diabetes

“Personally, I understand this acutely,” Thomas said. “Managing stress is crucial for my well-being due to an invisible disability. A lack of balance puts my health at serious risk.”

Additionally, a 2023 report by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that nearly 3-in-5 employees reported negative health impacts of work-related stress that are often associated with burnout, such as:

• Emotional exhaustion
• Feelings of anger or irritability
• Lack of motivation and lower productivity

How to Create a Better Work-life Balance

According to research published in the Harvard Business Review (HBR), creating a balance between work and life is absolutely within reach. But, the HBR noted, it’s not a one-time activity; it’s a constant cycle of re-evaluating your evolving feelings and priorities and adjusting your work and life choices accordingly.

And for Thomas, a good work-life balance requires designing your life — not just living it — by intentionally making choices that let your work support your life instead of the other way around. Drawing on her background in restorative practices, she suggested a few strategies that can help you achieve a healthy balance:

Set Clear Boundaries

Boundaries create space for rest, relationships and hobbies. Establish firm start and end times for your workday and resist the urge to check work email outside of work hours.

Embrace Mindfulness

Practice a daily “check-out” ritual where you think about your connections and contributions that day and set intentions for the next day. Practicing mindfulness and being intentional is key to a sustainable balance.

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to discuss balance with your manager. Some employers are increasingly open to supporting work-life balance through flexible schedules and mental health days, according to the APA survey (APA PDF Source). Using job resources, like your employee assistance program, can help, too.

Reflect Regularly

Reflection is a powerful tool that can help realign your actions with your values. Thomas, who is also a certified Global Career Development Facilitator, suggested asking yourself, “What brings me joy, and what can I let go of?” to help smooth the transition from your workday to your personal life.

Based on the research from the Harvard Business Review, work-life balance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — it’s a dynamic process that evolves with life’s seasons. What feels balanced today may not serve you tomorrow. But with self-awareness, intentional choices and support, it's possible to find your footing and strike a desirable balance between your work and your well-being.

Amanda Hernandez is a copywriter at SNHU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and has worked in higher ed marketing since 2011 as a copywriter, editor and content manager.