Work-Life Balance: 24 Ways to Maintain It

In a context where Vietnamese people work an average of 48 hours/week – much higher than many countries in the region – overload, stress, and lack of time for family are becoming common problems. Many people seek solutions for work-life balance but don't know where to start.

In reality, work-life balance is not about dividing time 50/50, but rather knowing when to prioritize, setting clear boundaries, and managing energy wisely. When you do this well, you not only reduce mental pressure but also increase work efficiency, improve relationships, and enhance your quality of life.

This article will share 24 simple, practical ways to balance work and family life, suitable for the current pace of life in Vietnam. You can apply them starting today to build a more harmonious, proactive, and sustainable life.

How to balance work and family life

1. Clearly define your most important priorities

This is the foundation of work-life balance. If you don't know what's most important, you'll always feel busy but unproductive.

• Write down your top 3-5 priorities: for example, family, health, career, personal development.

• Ask yourself: If I could only complete two tasks today, what would they be?

• Compare the actual time you spend on each priority to see if too much is skewed towards work.

When your priorities are clear, you'll make decisions more easily, reducing feelings of guilt when spending time with family or yourself. This is an important step to improve mental health and reduce chronic stress.

2. Create a specific schedule and adhere to personal discipline

Many people fail to balance work and life because they lack clear boundaries between work hours and off-hours.

• Set fixed work hours and try to finish on time.

• Schedule family time on your calendar like an important appointment.

• Avoid checking work emails or messages outside of work hours, except in truly urgent cases.

Building a stable routine helps your brain rest properly, thereby increasing work efficiency and preventing burnout.

3. Learn to say “no” at the right time

Work overload is a common reason many people lose work-life balance.

• Before taking on more tasks, ask yourself: Do I have enough time and energy?

• If the workload is already overwhelming, communicate directly with your superior or colleague.

• Prioritize quality over quantity.

Knowing how to decline is not a lack of responsibility, but smart work management skill to protect long-term mental health.

4. Make time for mentally nurturing activities

Balance is not just about dividing time between work and family, but also about self-care.

• Spend at least 30 minutes each day on activities you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, drawing, or walking.

• Plan weekends for your family instead of letting time pass passively.

• Limit phone use when with loved ones to enhance connection quality.

These activities help reduce stress, improve emotions, and strengthen family bonds – core elements of a sustainable balanced life.

Part 1: How to maintain effective Work-Life Balance

Method 1: Learn to say “no” to avoid work overload

1. Only accept tasks that align with your main priorities

• Prioritize projects that align with your most important career goals.

• Ask yourself: Will this affect my family time?

• If your work schedule is already full, taking on more could lead to stress and burnout.

Indiscriminate "yeses" can easily lead to an imbalance between work and life.

2. Decline politely and clearly

You don't need a lengthy explanation. Just be honest, concise, and respectful.

• "Thank you, but my schedule doesn't currently allow for it."

• "I appreciate the opportunity, but I'm unable to participate at this time."

• "My workload is quite heavy for the next few weeks; perhaps I could assist next month."

This type of response is both professional and helps you maintain clear boundaries.

3. Understand that saying “no” protects long-term productivity

When you take on too much:

• Work quality tends to decline.

• Stress increases, affecting mental health.

• Time spent with family is reduced.

Conversely, knowing how to select opportunities helps you focus better, work more efficiently, and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

Method 2: Reduce your workload when you're overwhelmed

1. Identify early signs of overload

• You frequently work overtime but still can't finish everything.

• Work affects your sleep and family time.

• Productivity decreases even though you're trying harder.

When these signs appear, reducing your workload is not a weakness, but a way to protect your mental health and maintain long-term effectiveness.

2. Communicate clearly with your superior

Proactive communication helps you avoid misunderstandings and build a professional image.

You could say:

• "With the current workload, I'll find it difficult to complete this today."

• "I'm currently handling quite a few tasks; would it be possible to assign someone else to help?"

• "I can complete either the task I'm working on or take on this new task, but I can't do both simultaneously. Which would you like me to prioritize?"

This way of communicating shows that you are responsible and know how to manage your work, rather than silently enduring and then missing deadlines.

3. Prioritize quality over quantity

• Focus on successfully completing the most important tasks.

• Avoid taking on more tasks just due to psychological pressure.

• Re-evaluate your workload weekly to make timely adjustments.

When you control your workload, you'll have more time for family, rest properly, and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

Method 3: Create a priority list for life balance

1. Divide your life into clear categories

Write down the important categories in your life, for example:

• Work and career

• Family and loved ones

• Romantic relationships

• Physical health

• Mental health

• Self-development

Categorization helps you see the bigger picture rather than focusing on just one aspect.

2. Rank by actual importance

• Number them from 1 (most important) to subsequent positions.

• Be honest with yourself; don't rank by "what you should do" but by "what is truly important to you."

• Compare your rankings with how you actually allocate your time each week.

The discrepancy between "priorities on paper" and "priorities in reality" is why many people lose their work-life balance.

3. Integrate priorities into a specific schedule

Once ranked:

• Block out time for family on your calendar as a standing appointment.

• Plan weekly health care (exercise, rest).

• Organize your work around important priorities instead of the other way around.

When priorities are put on the calendar, they become actual actions.

4. Prioritize self-care before handling work

According to the clinical experience of many psychologists, work motivation drastically decreases when physical or mental health is affected.

You can:

• Ask yourself what is draining your energy.

• Adjust sleep, nutrition, or reduce stress.

• Pause to recover instead of trying to "power through."

Self-care is not selfish. It is the foundation for maintaining stable productivity and building a long-term work-life balance.

Method 4: Schedule your day for work-life balance

1. Create a weekly schedule framework before planning your day

Start by scheduling your fixed activities:

• Work or study hours

• Meeting schedules, classes, regular activities

• Time dedicated to family or social activities

A weekly framework helps you see your overall time, preventing you from overloading too many tasks into one day.

2. Make a to-do list every evening

Before going to bed, take 5–10 minutes to:

• Write down tasks to complete the next day

• Prioritize them instead of according to emotional "urgency"

• Eliminate unnecessary tasks

This habit helps you start your day clearly, reduces stress, and increases work efficiency.

3. Identify the 3 most important tasks of the day

In addition to mandatory activities like going to work or school, choose the 3 most important tasks.

For example:

• Complete an important presentation

• Attend a scheduled dental appointment

• Attend your child's performance

When you complete these 3 tasks, you ensure that day truly holds value, rather than just being busy without focus.

4. Be flexible when priorities change

Life is always changing: work pressure might increase, or your family might need you more at certain times.

• Periodically review and adjust your schedule as needed.

• Don't blame yourself for changing plans.

• Focus on the long-term goal of maintaining work-life balance.

A schedule isn't meant to rigidly confine you; it's a tool to help you control your time, reduce stress, and build a more harmonious life.

Method 5: Divide your working hours by specific tasks

1. Clearly define what you will do before starting the day

Before work, ask yourself:

• What tasks do I need to complete today?

• Which tasks are important and directly affect work results?

• Which tasks can be done later or handled quickly?

Pre-defining helps you be proactive instead of reacting passively to emails and messages.

2. Dedicate prime time to important tasks

Practical principles:

• Morning: dedicate all time to important projects that require high concentration.

• Afternoon: divide into 30–60 minute slots to handle less urgent tasks like replying to emails, short meetings, and reviewing documents.

For example:

• 8 AM–11 AM: focus on completing an important report.

• 1 PM–2 PM: team meeting.

• 2 PM–4 PM: handle emails and administrative tasks.

This approach helps you use your energy efficiently, instead of being scattered all day.

3. Set clear boundaries to finish the workday on time

When each task has a specific time frame:

• You are less likely to get caught up in endless work.

• It's easier to shut down and leave work when the day is over.

• You have real time for family and rest.

This is a key factor in maintaining sustainable work-life balance.

4. Review and adjust weekly

Not every day is perfect. The important thing is:

• Evaluate if the time slots are reasonable.

• Adjust when the workload changes.

• Maintain the principle: important tasks first, minor tasks later.

When you control your time instead of letting time control you, work-life balance becomes much more feasible and realistic.

Method 6: Eliminate workplace distractions

1. Allow yourself to reply to messages later

Not every email or message requires an immediate response.

• Set fixed times during the day to check emails.

• Turn off pop-up notifications on your screen when focusing on important work.

• Prioritize completing main tasks before handling minor communications.

This helps you avoid the situation of "working on task A but constantly being pulled to task B."

2. Put personal devices on silent mode

Phones are the biggest source of distraction.

• Switch to silent or "do not disturb" mode during work hours.

• Place your phone out of reach when high concentration is needed.

• Only reactivate it after completing the set work block.

This small change can significantly increase work efficiency and reduce end-of-day stress.

3. Use airplane mode for deep focus

For tasks requiring deep thought:

• Turn on airplane mode for 60–90 minutes.

• Inform colleagues in advance if necessary to avoid misunderstandings.

• Work in focused sessions, then take short breaks.

Deep focus helps you complete tasks faster, thus giving you more time for family and rest.

4. Limit unnecessary emails

Long "reply all" threads can easily cost you tens of minutes each day.

• Only send emails to the necessary recipients.

• Summarize content clearly, avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth exchanges.

• If an issue is complex, consider a call or short meeting instead of multiple exchanges.

Reducing distractions not only helps you work more efficiently but is also a practical strategy to maintain work-life balance. When work is handled neatly during work hours, you won't have to bring that pressure home.

Method 7: Take proper breaks during the workday

1. Completely disconnect from work during breaks

Taking a break doesn't mean checking emails while resting.

• Get up from your desk.

• Do not open work-related documents.

• Do not use the break to handle small additional tasks.

Just 5–10 minutes of genuine "disconnection" will help your brain recover better.

2. Choose activities that quickly recharge your energy

You can:

• Text a short message to a close friend.

• Brew a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy it slowly.

• Take a few minutes walk outside for a change of scenery.

• Visualize a trip you'd like to take in the future.

These small activities help reduce mental pressure and significantly improve your mood.

3. Schedule breaks instead of waiting until you're exhausted

• After every 60–90 minutes of work, take a 5–10 minute break.

• After 3–4 continuous hours of work, take a longer break of 15–20 minutes.

• Set reminders if you often forget to take breaks.

Proactive breaks help you maintain consistent performance throughout the day instead of speeding up and then running out of energy.

4. Understand that rest is part of productivity

Taking breaks is not laziness. It is a strategy to protect mental health, reduce the risk of burnout, and help you complete tasks during working hours. When you work more efficiently during the day, you will have more quality time for your family in the evening.

Method 8: Separate social media for work and personal life

1. Create separate profiles for work purposes

• Use a professional account to connect with colleagues, partners, and clients.

• Share content related to your expertise, projects, and professional achievements.

• Control your personal image according to long-term career goals.

Many people choose LinkedIn to build their personal brand for work, while keeping other platforms for their personal lives.

2. Keep personal accounts truly "personal"

• Only connect with close friends and family.

• Limit sharing sensitive work-related information.

• Adjust privacy settings to prevent personal content from being shared unintentionally.

This allows you to express yourself freely without worrying about impacting your work environment.

3. Review content before posting

Before posting anything, ask yourself:

• Does this content belong to my professional or personal image?

• If colleagues or clients see this, will it cause misunderstandings?

• Is this content aligned with my long-term goals?

This mindfulness helps you build a consistent and trustworthy image.

4. Set time boundaries for social media use

In addition to separating accounts, you should also:

• Avoid handling work through personal accounts outside of work hours.

• Limit checking work-related social media in the evenings.

• Spend quality time with family without being interrupted by notifications.

By clearly separating your online life and work, you not only protect your personal brand but also maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

Method 9: Limit daily social media usage

1. Establish fixed times to check social media

Instead of opening apps whenever there's a notification:

• Choose 2–3 fixed time slots during the day (e.g., 10 AM, 2 PM, 4:30 PM).

• Spend only 10–15 minutes each time to respond to necessary messages or comments.

• Outside these times, focus entirely on your main tasks.

This approach helps you proactively control your time instead of being controlled by notifications.

2. Turn off unnecessary notifications

Constant notifications cause fragmented attention in the brain.

• Turn off push notifications from apps that aren't truly important.

• Only keep notifications from platforms that directly serve your work.

• Mute sounds or vibrations during periods of high concentration at work.

This small change can save you hours each week.

3. Delete or limit apps on your phone

If you often lose track of time:

• Delete social media apps from your phone and only use them on your work computer.

• Or log out after each use to avoid opening them out of habit.

• Set a time-limited password if necessary.

Reducing excessive convenience will help you reduce unconscious checking behavior.

4. Clearly separate work and personal hours

• Do not check work accounts after work hours unless absolutely necessary.

• In the evening, prioritize time for family, rest, and energy recovery.

• Regularly review your social media usage each week.

When you control your social media usage, your work performance improves, and you will have more quality time for your family. This is an important step to maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.

Method 10: Only check emails during working hours

1. Clearly define email processing hours

• Only check and reply to emails during working hours.

• Identify 2–3 fixed times a day to handle your inbox instead of constantly opening it.

• Avoid checking emails immediately after waking up or before going to bed.

This helps you proactively control your work instead of letting emails control you.

2. Turn off work email notifications outside of working hours

• Turn off notifications from work email applications on your personal phone.

• Do not sync work emails with personal devices unless absolutely necessary.

• Set "do not disturb" mode after work hours.

When not interrupted by notifications, you can focus better on your family and rest.

3. Postpone responses until the next working day

If you receive an email or call outside of working hours:

• Note it down to deal with it the next morning.

• Call back during working hours instead of responding immediately.

• Inform colleagues in advance about your availability for contact.

Consistency will help everyone respect your boundaries.

4. Understand the long-term benefits

When you frequently check emails outside of working hours:

• Prolonged stress and difficulty disengaging from work.

• Quality time with family is disrupted.

• Increased risk of burnout.

Conversely, by maintaining clear boundaries, you will recover energy better, work more efficiently during office hours, and sustainably maintain a work-life balance.

Method 11: Make time for hobbies after work

1. Choose hobbies that truly relax you

Prioritize activities that you find interesting and comfortable:

• Play sports with friends to relieve stress.

• Play relaxing games for a reasonable amount of time.

• Do crafts, paint, or create content.

• Cook a delicious meal for yourself and your family.

The important thing is that you feel like you are "doing it for yourself," not out of obligation.

2. Schedule hobbies like an important appointment

• Choose at least 2–3 evenings per week specifically for your favorite activities.

• Inform family or colleagues to avoid interruptions.

• Turn off work notifications during this time.

When scheduled specifically, hobbies will no longer be "sacrificed" for work.

3. Prioritize connecting activities

Some hobbies can help strengthen family bonds:

• Play sports with children or relatives.

• Cook together on weekends.

• Participate in community activities or clubs with shared interests.

This not only improves mental health but also strengthens family relationships.

4. View hobbies as an investment in work performance

Many psychological studies show that when you have hobbies outside of work:

• Stress levels significantly decrease.

• Creativity increases.

• The risk of professional burnout is lower.

When you know how to use your free time to recharge, you will return to work with a more positive attitude and sustainably maintain a work-life balance.

Method 12: Utilize leave time to recharge

1. View leave as a right, not a privilege

• Taking leave helps you detach from the work cycle.

• Your brain needs time to recover to maintain long-term performance.

• Adequate rest helps reduce the risk of professional burnout.

This is not laziness, but a sustainable way of working.

2. Plan your leave early

• Check your work schedule and choose the least stressful time.

• Inform colleagues in advance to arrange handover.

• Clearly mark your leave on the calendar to avoid taking on new projects close to your leave date.

Planning ahead helps you take leave without worry.

3. Truly "disconnect" during your time off

• Turn off email notifications and work apps.

• Limit checking work-related messages.

• Focus on family, rest, and getting enough sleep.

Only by truly detaching from work can your leave be effective.

4. You can create small breaks even without formal leave

If your company does not have a long-term leave policy:

• Plan a short weekend trip for yourself.

• Take 1–2 days of "digital detox" to temporarily disconnect from work.

• Change your work environment for a day to refresh your mind.

You don't need a faraway trip, just space and time for yourself.

Method 13: Talk to your superior when you're burnt out

1. Recognize early signs of burnout

• Fatigue even with enough sleep.

• Difficulty concentrating, decreased performance.

• Irritability or loss of interest in work.

• Work begins to negatively affect family.

When these signs persist for many weeks, you should proactively communicate rather than trying to "push through."

2. Prepare a clear discussion outline

Before meeting your superior:

• Identify specifically what is overwhelming you (workload, deadlines, lack of support).

• Propose solutions instead of just stating the problem.

• Maintain a cooperative and constructive attitude.

For example, you can propose adjusting deadlines, reallocating tasks, or changing work methods to reduce pressure.

3. Communicate honestly but professionally

• Present your current situation honestly.

• Emphasize the desire to maintain stable long-term performance.

• Show goodwill in finding a common solution.

The goal is to improve the work environment, not to complain.

4. If you don't receive a positive response, pause and re-evaluate

• Give yourself time to think instead of reacting emotionally.

• Consider other options within the company.

• Re-evaluate your long-term career goals.

Calmness helps you make wiser decisions.

5. Learn about Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Some businesses have employee assistance programs such as:

• Short-term psychological counseling.

• Basic legal or financial support.

• Connection with local mental health professionals.

If such a program exists, you should take advantage of it. This is a practical source of support to help you overcome stressful periods.

Part 2: Work-Life Balance for Remote Workers

Method 1: Create a dedicated workspace when working from home

1. Choose a fixed area solely for work

• Set up a dedicated desk instead of working in bed.

• If space is limited, choose a fixed corner in the room and use it consistently.

• Keep this area tidy, with only work-related items.

Your brain will gradually form a reflex: enter that area for work, leave it for rest.

2. Avoid working in resting areas

• Do not work in bed or at the dining table if possible.

• Limit working while watching TV.

• Clearly separate family living space from working space.

This separation helps reduce the feeling of "always working."

3. Utilize external spaces when needed

If staying home too much causes stress:

• Work at a local library.

• Choose a quiet coffee shop suitable for concentration.

• Find a co-working space if conditions allow.

At the end of the workday, leaving that space helps you transition your mindset more clearly.

4. Establish rituals to start and end the workday

• Start by turning on your computer and organizing your desk.

• End by shutting down your computer, clearing your desk, and leaving the work area.

• Avoid returning to that space in the evening unless absolutely necessary.

This small ritual creates a clear boundary between work and personal life.

Method 2: Maintain a fixed daily routine

1. Fix sleep and wake-up times

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

• Avoid working too late as it can lead to fatigue the next day.

• Dedicate 30 minutes before bed to relax instead of using electronic devices.

Regular sleep helps improve concentration, mood, and mental health.

2. Eat on time and adequately

• Don't skip meals due to work.

• Separate meal times from your workspace.

• Prioritize family meals when possible.

Eating on time is not only good for health but also creates natural breaks between work sessions.

3. Establish clear work start and end times

• Start working at a fixed time each morning.

• End work at a specific time and don't extend it indefinitely.

• After work, switch to personal or family activities.

Stability helps the brain recognize when to focus and when to rest.

4. Maintain small habits to transition states

• Change into work clothes before starting work to create a professional feeling.

• Take a short walk after ending the workday to "close" the work.

• Keep these rituals repeating daily.

Small but consistent habits will help you clearly separate work and personal life.

Method 3: Maintain fixed working hours when working from home

1. Choose working hours that suit your personal rhythm

• Determine when you focus best (early morning or early afternoon).

• Choose fixed hours, for example, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM from Monday to Friday.

• Ensure these hours align with your family's schedule.

Working hours should be realistic and sustainable; avoid being overly ambitious.

2. End work at the scheduled time

• When time is up, stop even if the work isn't 100% perfect.

• Turn off your computer, close work-related applications.

• Leave the workspace to transition to personal time.

Physical actions like turning off the computer and leaving your desk help your brain understand that the workday has ended.

3. Avoid letting work hours "creep" into personal time

• Do not respond to work emails or messages outside of hours unless urgent.

• Limit working on weekends if you have family plans.

• Clearly communicate your working hours to colleagues so they respect your boundaries.

Maintaining consistent boundaries helps reduce stress and improve mental health.

4. Adjust flexibly when necessary

If you have young children or special family responsibilities:

• You might work earlier in the morning before taking children to school.

• Break your working hours into 2-3 sessions throughout the day.

• Discuss with your supervisor in advance to agree on flexible arrangements.

Flexibility does not mean working all the time, but rather arranging work hours to suit your life.

Method 4: Dress for work even when at home

1. Change clothes before starting the workday

• Wake up 30-60 minutes earlier to prepare.

• Wear neat, comfortable, but adequately formal attire.

• Avoid working in pajamas or overly casual clothes.

The act of changing clothes helps the brain switch to "work mode," increasing focus and professionalism.

2. Build a morning routine

• Complete personal hygiene as if going to the office.

• Reorganize your desk after changing.

• Start work at a fixed time.

These small steps create clear boundaries between personal life and work.

3. Change clothes when the workday ends

• When time is up, take off your work attire.

• Switch to home clothes like comfortable wear or pajamas.

• Leave the work area.

Changing clothes helps you psychologically "close" the workday.

4. Understand the long-term impact on mental health

When you stay in pajamas all day or wear work clothes into the evening:

• The boundary between work and life becomes blurred.

• It becomes difficult to fully relax after work.

• The risk of prolonged stress increases.

Conversely, separating your attire helps you transition more easily, enhancing productivity during work hours and fully relaxing when with family.

Method 5: Take a proper lunch break

1. Set a fixed lunch break time

• Choose a specific break time, for example, 12:00 PM–12:30 PM daily.

• Set a reminder so you don't forget.

• Respect this timeframe as an important appointment.

Fixing break times helps the body establish a stable biological rhythm.

2. Leave your workspace when eating

• Do not eat at your desk if possible.

• Turn off your computer screen during your break.

• Spend a few minutes relaxing after eating instead of immediately returning to work.

The act of leaving your desk helps your brain temporarily "disconnect" from work.

3. Ask family members to remind you if needed

If you often forget your break times:

• Ask family members or your partner to remind you when it's time to eat.

• Schedule lunch with family if your schedule allows.

• Create shared routines to increase commitment.

This not only helps you remember to take a break but also strengthens family connections.

4. View lunch breaks as part of work performance

Skipping meals or working through lunch can lead to:

• Fatigue and reduced concentration in the afternoon.

• Increased irritability and stress.

• Overall performance decreases even if you work longer hours.

Conversely, a proper lunch break helps you recharge, improve your mood, and sustainably maintain work-life balance.

Method 6: Use web blockers to create clear boundaries

1. Install time-based website blocking software

Some popular tools to control access by schedule:

• Cold Turkey

• BlockSite

• LeechBlock NG

• Freedom

You can set up:

• Blocking social media during work hours.

• Blocking emails and work platforms after office hours.

This creates a "technical barrier" that helps you be less reliant on personal willpower.

2. Set up two modes: work and rest

• Work mode: only allows access to tools related to core tasks.

• Personal mode: blocks all work emails and platforms after hours.

When you switch modes, you are also transitioning your mental state.

3. Utilize hard lock features

Some applications allow:

• Inability to disable blocking during the set time.

• Limiting daily access duration.

This feature is especially useful if you are easily distracted.

4. View web blockers as a supportive assistant, not a restriction on freedom

The goal is not to over-control, but rather to:

• Increase focus during work hours.

• Reduce the habit of checking work outside of hours.

• Protect time for family and rest.

When technology is used correctly, it helps you maintain a work-life balance more effectively, instead of making you caught in a 24/7 cycle.

Method 7: Avoid doing chores during work hours

1. Identify the impact of mixing household chores

• Interrupts focus when handling important tasks.

• Extends the time to complete work.

• Forces you to make up for lost time in the evening.

The result is work spilling over into personal time.

2. Make a note instead of doing it immediately

If a household chore comes to mind during work:

• Jot it down in a notebook or note-taking app.

• Schedule it for after work hours.

• Do not get up and do it immediately.

This habit helps you maintain focus and manage your time better.

3. Clearly separate "working" and "at home"

• During work hours, prioritize professional tasks.

• After work, deal with household matters.

• Treat household work as seriously as office work.

This clarity helps maintain productivity and reduce end-of-day stress.

4. Be flexible if the activity helps you relax

Everyone recovers differently. If:

• Folding clothes or watering plants helps you relax during short breaks.

• The activity does not distract you for too long.

Then you can certainly use it as a form of break. The important thing is to control the duration and not let household chores take up your entire workday.

Method 8: Reward yourself after the workday

1. Choose a small but meaningful reward

Rewards don't need to be expensive, just help you feel relaxed:

• Take a 15–20 minute walk outdoors.

• Brew a cup of tea or coffee and savor it slowly.

• Listen to your favorite music.

• Have a short chat with a close friend.

This action signals to your brain that the workday is over.

2. Turn the reward into an “end-of-day ritual”

• Turn off your computer and clear your desk before starting relaxing activities.

• Do not carry your work phone when going for a walk.

• Repeat this activity daily to create a stable routine.

Repetition helps you transition from work to personal life more clearly.

3. Prioritize social connection activities

Working from home can easily lead to feelings of isolation. Therefore:

• Spend time talking with family.

• Meet friends for coffee after work.

• Join a fitness class or group activity in the evening.

Social interaction helps improve mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of connection.

4. Understand that self-reward is a performance maintenance strategy

When you have something to look forward to at the end of the day:

• Work motivation increases.

• Stress reduces faster.

• You are less likely to extend work into the evening.

Self-reward is not indulgence, but a way to build a healthy rhythm of life. When the workday concludes clearly, you will have more quality time for your family and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

Method 9: Utilize childcare solutions when working from home

1. Ask for support from grandparents or relatives

If you have relatives willing to help:

• Arrange fixed hours each day or a few sessions per week.

• Clearly agree on pick-up and drop-off times to avoid conflicts.

• Create a familiar environment so children feel safe.

For example, grandparents can come over to help for a few hours in the morning, or you can take your children to play with grandparents on certain days.

2. Flexibly choose the appropriate format

• Have children join a play session with nearby relatives.

• Schedule work to coincide with the child's nap time.

• Combine multiple options throughout the week to reduce continuous pressure.

The important thing is to choose a solution that fits your family's routine.

3. Hire a reliable babysitter if feasible

If you need professional support:

• Find someone experienced and recommended by trusted acquaintances.

• Clearly agree on responsibilities, hours, and fees.

• Monitor the initial period to ensure peace of mind for both you and the child.

Investing in childcare support helps you focus on work during business hours, rather than working intermittently throughout the day.

4. View childcare support as a long-term strategy

When you try to do it all yourself:

• Work performance decreases.

• Stress increases.

• The quality of time with your child is also affected.

Conversely, with dedicated work hours and dedicated time for your child, you will maintain a healthier and more sustainable work-life balance.

Method 10: Use a "busy box" for children to play independently while you work

1. What is a busy box and why is it effective?

• It's a box containing simple, fun activities for children to explore independently.

• Helps children focus on one task instead of constantly seeking your attention.

• Creates a "quiet period" of 20–45 minutes for you to handle important work.

When prepared correctly, a busy box is both entertaining and stimulates creativity.

2. Prepare the busy box the night before

• Use a shoe box or small plastic container.

• Choose 4–6 age-appropriate activities: crayons, playdough, coloring books, stickers, puzzles, building blocks.

• Place the box near your workspace for easy observation.

Preparing in advance helps you be proactive rather than react hastily when busy.

3. Create an element of surprise to increase interest

• Occasionally add a new item like a new coloring book or different set of stickers.

• Rotate toys so children don't get bored.

• Do not let children access the box outside designated times to maintain its appeal.

The novelty factor helps extend the time children play independently.

4. Design busy boxes by theme

You can turn this activity into a learning opportunity:

• Color themes: boxes filled with red, blue, yellow items, etc.

• Themes based on cartoon characters or favorite books.

• Skill themes: cutting and pasting, puzzles, creative drawing.

This approach helps children develop skills while also supporting your productivity.

5. Combine busy boxes with clear timeframes

• Tell your child: "Mom/Dad will work for 30 minutes, then we'll play together."

• Set a specific timer so children understand the time limit.

• After the time is up, dedicate quality time to your child.

When children understand the routine, cooperation will be easier.

Method 11: Work in the same room as your young child

1. Design a separate "play corner" in the workspace

• Lay a rug or play mat near your desk.

• Prepare some of your child's favorite toys.

• Keep this area consistent so children get used to the space.

Separating the work area and play area in the same room helps you observe easily while staying focused.

2. Learn to work flexibly with children around

• Choose tasks requiring high concentration for when children are sleeping or playing independently and calmly.

• Handle short calls when children are busy with their favorite activities.

• Prepare backup activities if children start to get impatient.

The ability to flexibly switch between work and parenting roles is a skill that can be developed over time.

3. Short but quality interactions

• Chat or play briefly for 3–5 minutes between tasks.

• Praise children when they play nicely independently.

• Set specific times so children know when you will give them your full attention.

Short but regular interactions help children feel cared for and make fewer demands.

4. Utilize outdoor spaces when possible

If you have a garden or park nearby:

• Take your laptop outside for a short work session.

• Watch your children play while handling light tasks.

• Change your environment to reduce feelings of confinement for both you and your children.

Open spaces significantly improve mood and reduce stress.

Consider hiring a life coach to reorient your life

1. Life coaches help you identify "blind spots"

We often don't realize:

• We're prioritizing incorrectly.

• We're overworking without realizing it.

• We have habits that cause imbalance but have become defaults.

An outside perspective will help you clearly identify these points.

2. Develop a specific action plan

A life coach doesn't just listen; they also help you:

• Define clear personal and professional goals.

• Establish realistic work-life boundaries.

• Monitor progress of changes in each stage.

The strength lies in transforming the desire for "life balance" into an actionable plan.

3. Suitable when you are in a transitional phase

You might consider finding a coach when:

• Changing jobs or getting promoted.

• Working remotely and struggling with time management.

• Having a new baby or changing family responsibilities.

These are the times when imbalance is most likely.

4. Choose a suitable and trustworthy person

• Research their training background and practical experience.

• Review feedback from previous clients.

• Have a trial conversation to see if their working style is a good fit.

A good coach will ask insightful questions, helping you find your own answers instead of imposing solutions.

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Translation: Ashley Wright Nguyen.