Work-life balance doesn’t necessarily require working less; it’s more about working smarter, setting boundaries, and knowing how to switch off properly.
Some people seem to have it figured out, effortlessly juggling their career, personal life, and mental and emotional health without burning out. The secret? They don’t just follow the usual advice. Instead, they do things that might seem a little odd but actually work. These habits might seem weird, but they’re definitely pretty effective and worth trying in your own life.
1. They schedule ‘nothing time’ into their day.
Most people plan their day around tasks, but those who have great work-life balance actively schedule time for doing absolutely nothing. It might be 15 minutes of staring out the window, lying on the sofa with no agenda, or sitting in silence with a cup of tea.
It’s not wasted time — it’s a mental reset. It helps prevent burnout, gives the brain space to process things, and allows creativity to flow naturally. Instead of cramming in productivity from morning to night, they understand that real balance includes deliberate pauses.
2. They refuse to check emails first thing in the morning.
While most people start their day by diving straight into their inbox, those with great balance do the opposite. They delay checking emails so they can ease into the day on their own terms, rather than letting work set the tone from the moment they wake up.
Instead of reacting to other people’s demands first thing, they focus on a morning routine that actually benefits them. Whether it’s exercise, reading, or just having breakfast without stress, they make sure their day starts with intention rather than obligation.
3. They leave work in the middle of a task.
It sounds counterproductive, but stepping away before finishing a task actually makes it easier to pick up where they left off the next day. Instead of waiting until they’re completely drained before stopping, they leave a little undone.
This trick, often called the “Zeigarnik effect,” means their brain subconsciously continues working on the problem in the background. When they return, they’re already halfway into the task rather than starting from scratch, making it easier to get back into the flow.
4. They have a ‘fake commute’ even if they work from home.
People with great work-life balance don’t just roll out of bed and start working. Even if they work remotely, they create a transition period between home and work mode, simulating a commute in some way.
That might mean going for a short walk, sitting with a coffee, or listening to a podcast before opening their laptop. That small ritual helps separate work from personal life, making it easier to mentally switch gears at the start and end of the day.
5. They turn down meetings that don’t need to happen.
Most people feel obligated to accept every meeting invite, but those who manage their time well know that many meetings are pointless. If something can be handled via email, a quick chat, or not at all, they won’t hesitate to decline.
They’re not rude about it; they just value their time. By setting this boundary, they free up space for deep work, personal time, and actual productivity instead of spending hours stuck in unnecessary calls.
6. They plan leisure time as seriously as work.
People who are great at work-life balance don’t just let downtime “happen” when there’s time left over — they schedule it in advance. They treat their hobbies, social plans, and relaxation time with the same level of commitment as work meetings.
That means putting things like cinema nights, gym sessions, or reading time in their calendar and actually sticking to them. If they wouldn’t cancel a work deadline, they don’t cancel their personal time either.
7. They set work hours, even when they don’t have to.
For those who work flexible or freelance jobs, it’s tempting to be available all the time. But those who master balance set strict work hours, even if no one is making them. They decide when they’re on the clock and when they’re off, and they stick to it. That means no “just one more email” at 10 pm, no answering work messages on a Sunday, and no guilt about shutting their laptop when the workday is over.
8. They take lunch breaks away from their desk.
It seems simple, but stepping away from their workspace for lunch makes a huge difference. Instead of mindlessly eating while scrolling through emails, they physically remove themselves from work mode for a proper break. It resets their mind, prevents burnout, and makes the second half of the day more productive. Even if it’s just 20 minutes of sitting in another room or going outside, this habit helps separate work and personal time in a way that feels refreshing.
9. They use ‘fake deadlines’ to avoid working late.
Most people work until the last possible moment, but those who have balance trick themselves by setting earlier deadlines. If something is due by Friday, they aim to finish it by Wednesday. If they want to be done by 6 p.m., they plan to wrap up by 5:30. By doing this, they avoid the habit of always running behind or stretching work into personal time. It forces them to be more efficient and leaves extra breathing room instead of always being in a last-minute rush.
10. They say no without over-explaining.
Whether it’s declining extra work, skipping an unnecessary social event, or turning down a favour, they don’t feel the need to justify it endlessly. They just say, “I can’t commit to that” or “I have other priorities right now” and leave it at that. They understand that saying no is a skill, and the less they over-explain, the easier it is to set boundaries. Instead of feeling guilty, they focus on what actually matters to them.
11. They don’t let work be their personality.
Some people make work their entire identity, but those with great balance see their job as just one part of life. They have hobbies, interests, and relationships outside of work that give them purpose beyond their career. They don’t just talk about work in social settings, and they don’t define their self-worth by how much they achieve. It helps them maintain a sense of personal fulfilment that isn’t tied to their job title.
12. They fully disconnect after work.
Once the workday is over, they actually switch off. That means no checking emails “just in case,” no finishing up tasks in the evening, and no constantly thinking about work when they should be relaxing. They might turn off notifications, keep work apps off their phone, or have a post-work routine that helps them mentally transition. Whatever the method, they make sure work stays in its place.
13. They create ‘buffer time’ between work and personal life.
Instead of going straight from work to socialising or home responsibilities, they build in a small buffer period. It might be a short walk, listening to music, or doing something calming before shifting into personal mode. This helps them avoid bringing work stress into their home life and makes the transition between roles much smoother. Instead of carrying tension into the evening, they give themselves space to unwind.
14. They don’t try to do everything perfectly.
Perfectionism is the enemy of work-life balance. The people who handle both well understand that “good enough” is often better than perfect. They don’t waste hours overworking tasks that don’t need it. They prioritise what actually matters and let the small stuff go. By setting realistic expectations for themselves, they get things done efficiently without letting work consume every ounce of energy.
