How to Create Boundaries Between Office and Personal Life: A Guide to Work-Life Balance That Actually Works

Let’s be real, for most of us, work-life boundaries have blurred. Between constant emails, pinging Slack messages, and late calls, it is impossible to “log off”. But making boundaries doesn’t mean you’re selfish. In fact, creating boundaries will preserve you. When you put space between work and personal life, clarity will increase, stress will lessen, and you will function better — both at work and home.

1. Establish defined working hours

Begin by establishing a realistic schedule and sticking to that schedule. Let your colleagues and manager know your working hours, and do your best not to “just check one more email” after your work time. Once you leave your workstation, your time is your own.

Tip: If your job context allows for flexibility, publicly block personal time on your calendar for your own appointment/dinner/workout/family call, etc.

2. Create a physical or mental “sign-off” cue/ritual

If you work from home, there can be a sensation of being caged in your workspace. It can be as simple as performing a ritual to signify and mark the end of a workday, such as closing the laptop, changing clothes, going for a walk outside, or lighting a candle. These small acts all act as chemical cues to your brain to symbolise “work is over”.

3. Learn to Decline (Without Guilt)

Boundaries frequently erode because we take on too much. Understand that not helping isn’t being unhelpful – it means you can keep helping and doing good. You cannot pour from an empty vessel. If it’s a Sunday meeting or a 10:30 p.m. message, politely decline if it takes away from your rest or personal time.

Example: “I will follow up first thing in the morning” is better than saying “I will take care of this tonight.”

4. Disconnect to Restore:

Technological advancements have made a special connection in how we work, but it has also tethered us to work. Attempt to create no phone zones – meal times, before bed, weekends, etc. Set your devices to silent notifications after hours and monitor the time when you might want to use these devices. True restoration starts when screens are turned off.

5. Reclaim Your Personal Space and Passions:

Who you are as a human being is bigger than your job title. When you have some spare time, utilize it to do what sets your soul on fire-cooking, reading, gardening, or doing nothing. When you return to the personal side of you, you bring creativity and calmness back to your work side.

6. Communicate Boundaries Openly

Make your team aware of the times you are not available and when they can expect a reply from you. The majority of people will respect boundaries when you outline them upfront; you only need to ensure they are set! Often, communication is vital in avoiding misunderstandings as well as always clearly outlining expectations. 

The Bottom Line

Boundaries are not walls; they are bridges that join your professional goals with your personal peace. The more intentional you are in establishing that separation, the more fulling both are of you.

So take a deep breath, close that laptop on time; your life does not need to revolve around the job, the job should fit within your life.