3 questions to help balance work, life

As the world becomes more interconnected, separating one’s professional and personal lives is harder than ever.

Here are three questions that can help you achieve a work-life balance.

1. What are you doing? A close look at your day-to-day habits can yield surprising results. You might be spending much more time in a marginally productive “half-work” state than you realize.

For a week, keep track of all your work-related activities. Be inclusive and honest. Do you check your phone in the locker room at the gym just in case there are messages from colleagues? Any time you spend talking or thinking about work problems isn’t downtime — and therefore isn’t truly restful.

2. Why are you doing it? Remaining at least partially available before or after the standard workday may be an understood aspect of your job. But in many cases, the extra duty is self-imposed, driven not by business necessity but by pride in being considered a goto person.

3. What’s your top priority? Just about everyone wants to enjoy a relaxing personal life and a rewarding career. It’s entirely possible to have both. But it’s helpful to ask yourself which is most important. The answer may change throughout your lifetime as your career and personal life evolve.

Once you’ve reviewed your habits, discussed expectations with your boss and clarified your priorities, start adjusting the borders that surround your work.