How Time Flies — And Why Your Work-Life Balance Matters More Than You Think

It’s incredible how the days, weeks, months and even years of our lives slip by. Time is such an anomaly — often seeming to race past, and yet at other times, particularly through challenges, slowing right down. In truth, all time really is a series of moments that join together to make up our lives, even if we don’t always see them as precious. If you’ve been wondering about your work-life balance, you’re not alone. I’ve been working seriously on my own work-life balance for around five years now, making more changes each year — and I feel I’m almost there, for now. I will continually review how I feel about my life, and I encourage you to do the same, sooner rather than later.

It was very easy for me to overwork because I so love what I do. It’s a passion, so I kept thinking, I’ll slow down later — except that “later” didn’t arrive for 30 years.

It’s been ten years since the heartbreak of ending my marriage, and my body started letting me know that all the giving and doing had been too much. I needed to spend more time simply being and receiving. When we give so much to others, we can lose connection with ourselves and forget who we actually are — and what true joys resonate with us. So let’s get feeling, and get doing, what makes our heart sing.

My Personal Example

How About You?

Are you a practitioner, also juggling another job? A family person who spends most of their energy thinking about others and their needs? You’re not alone.

Here are some of the most inexpensive and time-efficient ways that have helped me improve my work-life balance with minimal effort. I hope some of them help you too.

1. Create Clearer Boundaries

• Pick a consistent time to stop work most days and stick to it until it becomes a habit.
• Avoid checking your phone, email, or messages in the evening or late at night.
• Keep only one area of your home or workspace for working.
• Work your designated hours — whether employed or self-employed — unless it’s a genuine exception and a mindful, conscious decision.

A real example: I met a lovely young woman at a wedding recently who works as a social worker. She told me how much anxiety she was experiencing. She was paid for 35 hours a week but was regularly working 60 to try to catch up. I asked whether she ever actually felt she had caught up — she paused, then said, “Oh my goodness, no.” And she received no overtime or recognition for those extra 25 hours. I suggested she commit to 40 hours and then stop — because no matter how many more hours she added, it would never feel like enough, and that’s soul-destroying. She smiled with relief at the realisation and said she was absolutely going to try it.

2. Protect Your Energy

• Take short walks or cross-crawl exercise breaks during the day.
• Get outside for sunlight early in the morning when possible, or walk barefoot on the grass.
• Place an energy dot on your devices to help with EMF overload.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule, even at weekends.
• Listen to your body — all symptoms are your friend. They are your body’s voice, and we so often ignore them.

3. Reduce Overload

• Make a short “top 3 priorities” list each morning.
• Hold one hand over your forehead while thinking about whatever is overwhelming you — this can help release emotional stress.
• Say no to low-priority commitments. When someone asks a favour, try: “Let me check my diary and get back to you” — so you don’t automatically say yes and then regret it. Give yourself permission to say: not right now, maybe another time, or simply to politely decline.
• Group meetings, emails, errands and chores together in batches.
• Wear orange glasses to block blue light from devices in the evenings.
• Take tested supplements tailored to your specific needs.

4. Build Recovery Time

• Be mindful when scheduling evening commitments during the week.
• Aim to be asleep between 9.30pm and 2.30am as much as possible — this is when the body does much of its deepest repair.
• Consider regular Systematic Kinesiology to detect and correct imbalances. We service our cars before they break down — yet we rarely invest in our own health until something goes seriously wrong.
• Use low-cost hobbies to restore yourself: reading, arts and crafts, puzzles, cooking, cycling, time with friends, sport, swimming, sauna or steam, podcasts, meditation, or learning a new language on a free app.

5. Make Weekends Feel Different

• Avoid letting weekends become catch-up work time.
• Give yourself some completely free, unscheduled weekends.
• Plan enjoyable activities in advance: time with loved ones, a free museum visit, a walk in the park, a picnic, meeting for coffee, a movie night at home, or dinner with friends.

6. Improve Work Efficiency

• Limit multitasking — we get more done, and do it better, when we concentrate on one thing at a time.
• Try the Pomodoro Method:
  • 25 minutes of focused work
  • 5-minute break — do a cross-crawl, drink some water, take yourself on a little “brain holiday”
  • Then back to work

7. Maintain Relationships

• Schedule regular calls or meetups with the people you love or who matter to you.
• Eat at least one meal a day together at the table, without screens.
• Share household chores equally, day to day.
• If you live alone, consider a cleaner — even monthly — within your budget. It has been worth every penny to me.
• Aim for a date night or an evening out with friends at least once a month.

8. Financially Friendly Self-Care

• Choose exercise you genuinely enjoy (ideally one that suits your body and blood group).
• Seek out community events.
• Take nature walks.
• Journal regularly.
• Each morning or evening, write down five things you’re grateful for.
• Explore free meditation apps such as Insight Timer or Medito.

Small Changes, Big Difference

These changes can be implemented with little or no cost — and many produce almost immediate benefits for your mind, your body chemistry, your physical health, and your energy levels.

Even if you only take on a few of these tips, it can feel like lifting a rucksack of stress off your body and mind, and lighten the overall load considerably.

Want More Personalised Support?

If you’d like to see a Systematic Kinesiologist to be tested for a bespoke nutritional support plan for stress — and help with your work-life balance — visit taskuk-network.org.uk to find your nearest practitioner.