5 Ways to Achieve Work-Life Balance

For some people, achieving work-life balance is easier said than done, given the many tasks they may have to finish at the office or elsewhere. However, the concept of work-life balance isn’t just a myth—it can actually play a big role in one’s quality of life. Discover how work-life balance can be achieved with the help of certain strategies and why it’s important to prioritize this in the first place.

Here’s What Researchers Have to Say About Work-Life Balance

If you need more reasons to prioritize work-life balance, the research around it says it all. To begin with, findings from a 2025 study indicated that 70% of employees who reported a good work-life balance experienced improved work productivity. On the other hand, those who didn’t report good work-life balance felt lower work engagement and higher stress levels.¹

Results from an earlier study also revealed that people who weren’t able to draw lines between work and leisure reported:²

• Cases of increased stress
• Emotional and mental exhaustion
• Negative emotions like anxiety, anger, frustration, and resentment
• Sleep problems
• Reduced motivation and mood
• Health issues like high cholesterol levels, high body mass index (BMI) values, increased hypertension risk, and worsened physical stamina

As much as it is admirable to power through daily work tasks and be one step closer to achieving goals, one should not forget to rest and draw the line. If someone doesn’t want to rest, the body will find a way to make it happen, even if it means triggering pain and discomfort.

How to Achieve Work-Life Balance With Some Simple Steps

Just as Rome was not built in a day, work-life balance isn’t achieved instantly. Rather, it’s a result of positive habits that one has practiced (and even perfected) over time. Unsure where to start? Here are some strategies that one can consider as early as now:

1. Set clear boundaries with work.³

   This may help “train” one’s mind and body to distinguish when it is time to lock in or step away and have fun. More importantly, this may help prevent instances of overlap between work and life responsibilities. Some ways to establish boundaries better include:

   1. Turning off notifications for work-related apps and emails
   2. Disconnecting from the internet and/or moving away from mobile devices for a certain period of time
   3. Giving people a heads-up on offline hours
   4. Setting limits or alarms for work tasks
   5. Filing for vacation leaves

2. Make time for hobbies and interests.³

   Doing so helps the mind focus on other matters that are not work-related and rest from the reality of the daily grind. In fact, research has connected hobbies to:⁴

   1. Increased happiness, self-esteem, relaxation, and life satisfaction
   2. Reduced feelings of stress
   3. Improved social relationships and resilience

   Examples of hobbies one can try include reading a book, running or walking, playing a sport, dancing,³ painting, crafting, and meditating.

3. Connect and/or reconnect with loved ones.

   Doing things alone in the hopes of maintaining work-life balance is admirable, but don’t underestimate the positive impact of fostering relationships with others. Taking time to socialize may help one manage stress levels, increase resilience, and even build deeper relationships with colleagues, friends, and family.³

4. Make room for exercise or other physical activity in daily routines.

   Sitting down for too long or performing repetitive tasks can strain or damage the nerves, potentially leading to a pinched nerve. This happens when bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons apply too much pressure on the nerves, causing symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness.⁶ Pinched nerves can often be felt in the lower back, neck, arms, and legs.⁶

   Fortunately, one can avoid the effects of pinched nerves in the back and elsewhere with the help of stretching exercises that aid in lessening nerve tightness and improving flexibility. Additionally, strengthening exercises may assist in decreasing pressure on the nerves by building new muscle around the affected area.⁸

   In case work keeps one at his or her desk, some exercises can be done while sitting down to keep joints and muscles moving, while letting the nerves stretch every once in a while.

5. Get much-needed nutrients from a healthy diet and certain supplements.

   A healthy diet won’t just help one stay strong and empowered during crucial work tasks but also assist in improving well-being out of the office. On top of meals that contain nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, ask a doctor about taking a supplement like Vitamin B1+B6+B12 (Pharex® B-Complex).

   One Vitamin B1+B6+B12 (Pharex® B-Complex) tablet has 100 mg of vitamin B1 (thiamine), 5 mg of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and 50 mcg of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). When taken alongside a proper diet and exercise, this supplement can help:⁹

   1. Protect the body’s nerves
   2. Promote the delivery of signals between nerve cells
   3. Lower the risk of and address B vitamin deficiencies

It’s never too late (nor too early) to think about strategies that can help achieve work-life balance. While this concept may look different for each person, practicing it can be an important stepping stone to improved well-being and quality of life.

Suggested use of Vitamin B1+B6+B12 (Pharex® B-Complex) is one (1) to two (2) tablets daily, or as recommended by a doctor. Vitamin B1+B6+B12 (Pharex® B-Complex) is available in leading drugstores nationwide and online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php5.50 per tablet.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.