Work-life balance refers to the fact that we all need time to do things outside of our jobs to get the balance right.

It’s not just about having free time, it’s about having time to relax and enjoy yourself. This includes spending time with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, exercising, and even sleeping.

Quite often, in households with two adults working and children or other family to deal with, there can seem such little free time for each other, particularly at this time of the year when so much of any leisure hours we may have are in darkness.

Since the advent of homeworking and hybrid working due to the Covid pandemic, the lines between work and home have, for many, become increasingly blurred.

For parents working from home, juggling everything around, holding zoom calls whilst others are in the house, and possibly making demands for their attention, it can prove stressful, to say the least.

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People in many types of work may be anxious about their positions, given the current economic climate. All of the above, no matter what kind of work you do can take their toll.

Self-care is not self-indulgence. If you can clear your head of work matters when you are at home, not only can you enjoy more of your leisure time, but you will actually improve your overall well-being and perform better when you are at work.

This is a really valid point you may want to make to your boss if you feel the need for a conversation.

If you are feeling stressed about work matters when you are at home, it may well be time for you to take a serious step back and see how you can establish, or in some cases re-establish boundaries so that you can get the balance right.

Have you allowed yourself to take on too much perhaps? Is your boss making demands outside of work hours? Are you able to turn your email off outside of working hours?

Do you continually take work home which you really shouldn’t, or shouldn’t have to? or has the line between what is work and what is not, become nonexistent as you work from home?

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I know from discussions with my clients over recent months, that when they have had an issue with work practices if they have been stressed and overwhelmed, having a conversation with their boss has made them feel much better.

It can be the first step towards looking after your own well-being and getting that balance right, by becoming more in control and far less anxious.

As we approach the end of the year, it can be a good time to reassess things and approach those we need to, if change is needed.

Next week: How to feel better if you suffer from low self-esteem.

If you feel you are in a mental health crisis or emergency and may be in danger of causing harm to yourself or others then please contact your GP, the Samaritans on 116 123 or attend A&E.