5 of the Best Ways to Obtain Work-Life Balance in Overstressed Professions

Work-life balance: we constantly hear how much we need it. We all want it. But what does it really look like, and how do we even start to achieve it? Especially for people who have careers in high stress professions like medicine, law, or business, work-life balance is a challenge.  

Studies have shown that a lack of work-life balance in the lives of nurses and doctors harms their wellbeing. The results are as predictable as they are obvious: difficulty concentrating and following through on tasks, mental and physical fatigue, emotional turmoil, stress, guilt, and ultimately, burnout. Recent research suggests that at least half of all clinicians working in the United States have experienced burnout.  

Burnout has been described as an “occupational phenomenon” by the World Health Organization. While a causal relationship has been hard to prove, it has been linked to diagnostic errors, hazards to patient safety, and a lower level of satisfaction with their care. Other studies show parallel burnout symptoms among attorneys and business executives, where it is associated with the same cycle of heightened stress, exhaustion, and diminished job performance.  

Defining Work-Life Balance 

While a satisfying work-life balance looks different to everyone, the term describes the ability to earn a living in a chosen profession while maintaining time to: be responsive to family responsibilities; attend to personal, financial, and medical needs; nourish relationships with loved ones; pursue hobbies and personal projects; and simply relax.  

A 2017 study outlined more than 10 factors in play in determining how much work-life balance we can maintain. These include individual family situations, technology, workload, levels of social and organizational support, and the structures of our organizations themselves.  

Few people who pursue careers in law, medicine, and business leadership expect to keep their work and personal lives equally prioritized. They understand they won’t be able to divide their time evenly and entirely between the two. However, they are often so driven to succeed in the professional realm that other aspects of their lives go on autopilot or are neglected entirely.  

But without stepping back from the demands of work just to be complete human beings, highly skilled and in-demand healthcare, legal, and business professionals will continue to struggle or even leaves the industry entirely. Experts who advise people in these professions offer a few insights in how they, particularly, can approach work-life balance.  

1. Establish boundaries 

This means taking a more intentional approach to what you say “yes” to. While your boundaries may change from one situation to another, the important thing is to set them. For example, say “no” to time-wasting tasks, insist on adequate rest breaks, and maintain a livable on-call schedule or the legal and professional equivalent.  

2. Delegate and share work 

At work, share information with colleagues about individual workloads, and look for ways to collaborate that are fair and helpful to everyone on the team. At home, talk to the family about making mutual commitments regarding how each member will contribute to the work of running the household. Chores are not a punishment or something that can be opt out of. Everyone who lives in the home must contribute according to the household’s needs, not their individual interests. 

3. Schedule everything 

We all have multiple demands on their time and need to spend that time efficiently. To protect your personal time, schedule it: time to work out, time go over personal finances, or time to meet up with friends and family. It also includes making commitments—even if only to yourself—then respecting yourself enough to fulfill them just as if they were made to another person.  

4. Cultivate support networks  

Stay intentional about maintaining and developing these relationships. Contribute help to others whenever and whatever you can. Paying it forward in advance means that you can feel confident asking for help when you need it.  

5. Focus on what matters 

While many people automatically turn to binge-watching to detach mentally and emotionally when coming home from a long shift, that’s not necessarily the best decision for your long-term mental health. Studies have found that this type and amount of screen time often triggers this more anxiety and stress. It also interferes with your ability to get the restful sleep you need after hectic stretches of work.  

Instead, go walking or hiking, read a book, enjoy time with a pet, or just hang out with the important people in your life. You’re more likely to feel more rested, energized, and ready to get back to work with a fresh attitude and increased empowerment and perspective.