The proverbial work-life balance and work-life integration: Here's what to avoid to achieve them

Many people, if not everyone, seem to compartmentalize their lives. “This is work, that is home, those are my social circles.” This creates the notion that if people prioritize work, they steal time away from their home or friends or community. Some would forward the idea of work-life integration because work is an unavoidable part of life--TRUE. However, much like work-life balance, work-life integration is ever as elusive especially if you work for someone or something.

We can’t be perfect, but we can avoid being overwhelmed to the point that our work and life at home, in our social circles, and in the community suffer. Here’s what NOT to do to get a semblance of work-life balance or work-life integration:

1. Don’t multitask

Be present. Be there. Don’t answer emails as you talk to your kids. Don’t eat breakfast as you answer your phone. Don’t take food on-the-go and eat as you drive and make calls. Try as much as possible to be where you are, and do one thing at a time.

2. Don’t just pump and go without much thought

Ever had a day when you jumped from one meeting to another without processing what had just occurred? Ever asked why? Ever wondered if a task was necessary at all? A cause of overwhelm is the lack of consideration as to how much resources a particular task consumes. Once such comes to light, it is easy to let go of low impact activities to channel resources to those that lead to a higher impact.

3. Don’t accept new tasks without any lookout for the existing ones

We have a hard time saying no. “NO” is like a death sentence for the sender and the receiver. If it is inevitable to take on a new task, there is always the option to ask and be frank to manage expectations. The key is to set a deadline first for existing tasks. “Task A will be done by this week; this means that I can only accept Task B if it’s okay to start working on it by next week.” If resources are not aligned, there is always a “NO” in the pipeline. This is better than juggling too many balls only to drop them all and end up like a clown.

4. Don’t make exercise and rest negotiable

Exercise and rest are non-negotiables. These should be part of day-to-day activities. Giving up exercise and rest for something else is a disservice to one’s physical and mental health. These activities ensure that one comes back energized to take on new challenges. Instead of pulling all-nighters and working 24/7, exercise and sleep because these are great ways to become more effective and efficient.

There are many reservations. There are many ifs and buts. These are expected, but when we do make conscious effort to look into ourselves and how we do what we do at home, in the office, and in the community, we can always find ways to get better and to keep what is truly important. This list provides you with what to avoid on the surface. Do make a comprehensive list based on your context and day-to-day living. Surely, you’ll find more and make it all work for you.