Work-life balance does not always involve a 50-50 apportioning of the time you spend in the office and the time you spend at home. Instead, you give the correct amount of time to your personal life and job-related activities so that both receive the attention and priority that they deserve. Here are some suggestions on how you can make that happen.

Apportion Your Time

Scheduling plays a major role in maintaining work-life balance. Have start and cut-off times for your office hours, and stick to them. Besides work-related concerns, put important personal activities such as exercise, playtime with the kids, and date nights with your spouse on your agenda. Additionally, schedule regular vacation time, which refreshes and invigorates you, allowing you to become even more productive during your working hours.

Make Yourself Unavailable

A sure route to chaos and imbalance is to be available to everyone who thinks they need you all the time. At work, set aside periods of uninterrupted time during which you shut the door and focus on important tasks that only you can do. Make it clear to colleagues and clients that once you leave work, after certain hours you are no longer available for work-related matters. During these blocked-off periods of productivity at work and leisure at home, take technology breaks and turn off your communication devices.

Delegate Responsibilities

When you need some time for home and family, understand that others can temporarily handle the work you do, and delegate your office responsibilities to trusted employees. At home, consider sharing the gardening and household chores with hired help so you can spend more quality personal time with loved ones.

Allow Yourself to Relax

The fear of many entrepreneurs that their businesses will fail if they are not constantly working often interferes with work-life balance. When you leave the office, relax and realize that unfinished work can be completed later. To further distance yourself from work concerns, consider joining a social group that has nothing to do with your business and living in a neighborhood that is family-oriented.