Practical Tips to Maintain Work Life Balance

My first manager, who was a working mother, seemed like a superwoman to the entire team. She handled everything—her family, her kid, and her work—with so much efficiency that we were all in awe of her. In one of our 1:1 sessions, I finally asked her what her secret was. She smiled and said: “It’s all about managing your time well and getting the right support.”

That advice stuck with me, and over the years I’ve realized how true it is. Work-life balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about how you manage your time and energy.

Part 1: Know Where Your Time Goes

Before you can manage your time better, you need to understand how you’re currently spending it.

For one week, write down everything you do—the start and end times included.

Example:

8:00–8:45 → Freshen up

8:45–9:30 → Breakfast (cook + eat)

9:30–1:00 → Work (note: meetings, focus time, admin tasks, etc.)

This awareness is the first step toward real time-management.

Part 2: Create Daily To-Do and Not-To-Do Lists

Once you know how your time is being used, decide how you want to use it.

The To-Do List → Write down the key tasks for the day. Keep it visible and check them off as you finish.

The Not-To-Do List → Note down habits that waste your time (mindless scrolling, unnecessary meetings, checking work apps after logging out). Check them off when you successfully avoid them.

Part 3: Easy, Practical Habits to Manage Time

Here are some simple, effective practices to try:

1. Take Breaks

Working nonstop reduces focus and burns you out. Take a 5–10 minute break every 30–40 minutes. In the bigger picture, don’t forget longer breaks too—weekends off, vacations, or simply unplugging for an evening.

Only with time did I realize how important breaks are. Earlier, I would constantly check office group messages even after logging out. It’s still a struggle, but now I remind myself not to do it, and that helps me focus better on other parts of life.

2. Don’t Multitask

Multitasking divides your focus, and you end up being a jack of all trades and master of none. Don’t work on that documentation while attending a meeting. Focus on one task at a time. This way, you’ll not only have more focus and produce better work but also save mental energy.

At the start of my career, I was a victim of this—I used to reply to Slack messages in the middle of focus-heavy tasks, and it hampered my productivity. Over time, I learned to schedule “focus hours” and mute Slack notifications. That one change significantly improved the quality of my work.

3. Ask for Help and Support

A big part of time management comes when you realize you can’t do everything yourself. It’s okay—and important—to ask for help and delegate tasks. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends who might have worked on similar challenges and save yourself time.

Imposter syndrome hits almost everyone at some point, but don’t let it hold you back. Go out and seek help when you need it.

4. Pause and Breathe

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, step away, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Within minutes, you’ll feel calmer and regain focus. Remind yourself that you’ve figured things out before, and you’ll figure them out again.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

Managing time well isn’t just about work—it’s about energy. Exercise, eat well, spend time with loved ones, or explore hobbies. A well-rested, fulfilled person is far more productive than someone running on empty.

Final Thoughts

Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day—it’s about making space for what matters. By tracking your time, setting clear to-do and not-to-do lists, and adopting small but consistent habits, you can create more balance in your life.

Remember: your time is your most valuable resource. Manage it well, and you’ll not only get more done—you’ll also feel more confident, energized, and in control of your days.

What’s one small change you can make this week to reclaim your time?