Here's how you can establish boundaries between work and personal life for a better work-life balance.

To minimise burnout, learn how and when to switch off. Easier said than done since we are increasingly boundary spanners in a highly connected world. Client and contacts can reach you anytime via emails, messaging platforms (Telegram, WhatsApp, internal TeamsChat). You will feel that the pace of life has picked up if you are constantly engaged in your devices. One way to decompress is to set boundaries. Perhaps a hard stop when you do more check work related mails/messages. Some calls can’t be helped if your clients are in a different time zone; so, the key is seeking the right balance and learning how to communicate your social and time boundaries

Creating a dedicated workspace is crucial for maintaining a clear boundary between professional and personal life. Whether it's a home office or a specific corner of a room, having a designated area for work helps mentally signal that it's time for business. This separation allows for better focus and productivity during work hours. For example, I once transformed a small spare room into a home office for a client, which significantly improved their work efficiency and work-life balance. This space becomes a physical boundary, reducing the temptation to work during off-hours and preserving the home as a place for relaxation and family time.

Realising that there is bound to be some overlap should be step one. It's human nature, don't beat yourself up about it. Having a dedicated workspace definitely helps though. It's as they say, don't work when sitting on the bed as that is your space to rest. Similar logic. You want a dedicated space meant for work. This can be as grand as an office room or as simple as a desk and chair dedicatedly used only for work. Pro tip: Don't eat at your desk

Even though this is mostly right, there are businesses with very critical workflows, making it nearly impossible to be unavailable for them, especially if that is what you agreed upon from the very beginning.

Establishing set working hours is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Determine specific times when you are available for work and when you are off the clock. Communicate these hours clearly to your colleagues and clients to manage their expectations. For example, in my consulting practice, I set strict working hours and informed my clients about them. This allowed me to focus fully during work hours and disconnect completely during personal time. Quality, not quantity, of working hours is key to long-term productivity and well-being.

Setting technology limits is crucial for maintaining work-life balance. It's important to manage the way technology impacts your personal time. For instance, turn off email notifications after work hours or use app blockers to prevent work-related communication during family time. In my consulting practice, I schedule 'tech-free' periods in the evenings. This approach helps me to unwind and recharge, ensuring high performance and productivity during work hours. By establishing these boundaries, you can protect your personal time and prevent burnout.

It's now 3 years that I no longer have my smartphone in my bedroom. It's a game-changer. Yes! I have a cordless phone to call someone or to get a call from family if there's an emergency but being 'married' to my phone was something that never really set in until I was no longer having it my life. As a rule, I place my smartphone on our first floor in the kitchen to charge. This way, when I wake up, I take the first hour to be me, "Amy", with no urgency to be at the whim of my work or the news. I can sit in silence, meditate, stretch, express gratitude, and write. And then, with full presence head downstairs to fuel my body and activate my mind for purposeful action. A game-changer. Yes - it's difficult but doable. Try it!

To say ‘No’ you need conviction and determination. One needs to be kind and at the same time firm to say ‘No’. Looking into emails or whatsup messages after working hours should be stopped. Every one needs uninterrupted private time with family. It is recharging for the next day. Every individual has to balance both the responsibilities equally though delicate.

Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially in consulting. Learning to decline commitments gracefully is key to preserving personal time. For example, as a consultant, politely declining additional projects beyond your capacity allows you to focus on delivering high-quality results in existing assignments. This approach not only prevents burnout but also ensures you have time for relaxation and rejuvenation outside work. Prioritizing tasks based on their impact and aligning them with personal goals enhances productivity and satisfaction, fostering a sustainable work-life balance essential for long-term professional success.

Mastering the art of saying 'no' is essential for safeguarding your personal time. As a consultant, it’s easy to feel pressured to take on too much, but overcommitting can lead to stress and decreased effectiveness. Prioritize your tasks and be realistic about what you can achieve without sacrificing your personal life. For example, I once had to decline a last-minute project because it conflicted with existing commitments. This allowed me to deliver exceptional results on my current projects without burning out. Remember, delivering quality work in fewer projects is better than spreading yourself too thin.

Calling No in a meeting requires more courage. Once you start providing No with a valid reason, it will help you to define your working style. Work Life balance is like day and night. We rarely see both Sun and Moon working together at the same time. Similarly, give equal importance to your family as you value your colleagues. Say No to your boss on the weekend as you say no to family gatherings during working days. Explain to the people you say no with reasons that speak Work Life balance takes a higher priority in career.

Calling No in a meeting requires more courage. Once you start providing No with a valid reason, it will help you to define your working style. Work Life balance is like day and night. We rarely see both Sun and Moon working together at the same time. Similarly, give equal importance to your family as you value your colleagues. Say No to your boss on the weekend as you say no to family gatherings during working days. Explain to the people you say no with reasons that speak Work Life balance takes a higher priority in career.

Effective delegation is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Recognize that you don't need to handle every task yourself. Identify which tasks can be managed by others and delegate them accordingly. This strategy not only frees up your time but also promotes the growth and development of your team members. For instance, in a recent project, I delegated research tasks to junior consultants, allowing me to focus on strategic planning. Trusting your team with responsibilities empowers them and ensures you can concentrate on high-priority tasks, protecting your personal time.

Recognize that delegation isn't solely about leadership but a strategy for achieving balance. For instance, as a consultant, delegating routine administrative tasks to support staff allows you to concentrate on strategic initiatives and client engagements. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also cultivates a supportive work environment where team members can thrive. By empowering others with responsibilities, you foster a culture of collaboration and skill development, ensuring workloads are managed effectively while preserving personal time for relaxation and family commitments. Balancing delegation with hands-on involvement ensures sustainable productivity and a healthier work-life equilibrium in demanding consulting roles.

Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for achieving a balanced lifestyle, especially in consulting. Prioritizing self-care is paramount, ensuring your well-being and effectiveness. For instance, as a consultant, dedicating time each day for exercise or pursuing hobbies revitalizes your energy and creativity. This self-care routine not only enhances physical and mental health but also improves focus and productivity during work hours. Additionally, nurturing personal relationships by spending quality time with family and friends strengthens emotional resilience and provides a sense of fulfillment beyond professional achievements.

The best advice I ever got on self-care was from my mentor, a foster parent to 13 children. She shared, "Wake up 30 minutes before your youngest child awakes - no matter what time that may be." Even if I am nursing my babies and having crazy nights, those 30 minutes of me just being me have given me the power to build two companies and 1 non-profit while being sane and present. It has been a lifesaver. Self-care doesn't necessarily mean a manicure or a trip. It could be something as simple as drinking coffee with no interruptions. Write freely in a journal for 5 minutes. Or just read 10 pages in a book. Life will happen and time will pass. Prioritizing yourself will allow you to make more of that time.

It is all about being intentional about my time and identifying my peak productivity hours. I block out my peak productivity hours for deep work to make work more efficient. Of course, life doesn't always go how you wish, and I make exceptions for meetings. However, going in with the mindset that it is an exception means you will find it more challenging to become a bad habit. Additionally, I intentionally block out time for family, friends and personal time because that is what I prioritise in my life. I intentionally keep my work and personal calendars separate as a way to draw boundaries. But what is too much? My calendars run my life; sometimes, I feel I cannot function if I lose my data.

Less is more. When figuring out your day, only pick 3 things to accomplish fully. Make sure only 1 item is a 'big' one. There's no need to overwhelm yourself. Rome wasn't built in a day and there is more power in getting it done than getting all of it done.