Balancing Work, Relationships, and Wellness: A Reality Check
Not long ago, I caught up with an old friend, and we ended up reflecting on a chapter of my life when I was, to put it mildly, overcommitted.
My world revolved around work, and almost everything else took a back seat.
I’d often miss out on planned spa weekends, arrive embarrassingly late to dinners, and find myself constantly apologising with the usual “work was just mad today” excuse.
Back then, I felt ridiculously busy all the time.
I’d think, “I’ve just got too much on,” believing it was the demands of my team, clients, and bosses pulling me in all directions.
Rarely did I pause to consider the knock-on effect of that constant busyness on the people around me—or even on my own health.
A part of me would feel guilty about the lateness or the cancellations, but I’d brush it off as “just the way I am.”
Looking back now, I can see that my busyness was less about others’ demands and more about my own inability to say “no.”
I didn’t want to let anyone down, so I’d agree to take on extra projects, push myself to meet deadlines a day early, and rarely ask if I was sacrificing too much of myself. I thought that saying “yes” to everything was the key to success.
Real success—true fulfilment—requires balancing
It’s not about staying in a constant state of equilibrium, which is nearly impossible.
Instead, it’s a process of constantly adjusting to make space for work, relationships, and wellness. When we allow one area to take over completely, we miss out on the richness that comes from nurturing all three.
If you’re wondering whether you’re in the midst of your own juggle, here are a few questions to reflect on. Think of them as a quick pulse check for the three key areas of life: work, relationships, and wellness.
1. Work Performance
Are you feeling fulfilled by your work, or does it often leave you feeling drained?
Do you find time to reflect and reset during the week, or does it feel like you’re constantly rushing to the next task?
Are you reaching your professional goals without sacrificing other areas of your life?
2. Relationships
How present are you in your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues?
When was the last time you enjoyed time with loved ones without watching the clock or thinking about work?
Do the people in your life feel they can rely on you, and do you feel that same support in return?
3. Personal Wellness
Are you making time for activities that genuinely replenish your energy—whether that’s exercise, hobbies, or simply rest?
How often do you feel calm and centred, as opposed to constantly stressed or stretched too thin?
Are you tuned into your own needs and able to prioritise self-care without guilt?
Balancing these areas isn’t about perfection or saying “no” to everything that comes your way.
It’s about making intentional choices that allow each of these parts of life to thrive.
I’m still late for things now and then, but it’s no longer because I’m juggling too much—it’s just my optimism that I can get ready and across town in record time (something I’m still working on!).
Let’s explore how this can work for you
The journey to balancing is ongoing, and it starts with small steps.
Take a moment to ask yourself these questions, and be honest with your answers.
Balancing isn’t about fitting everything in; it’s about finding the harmony that brings fulfilment to every part of your life.If you’re ready to get your own reality check and explore how you can start balancing better, I invite you to book a free discovery session with me.
During our call, we’ll discuss your goals and challenges, and see how PQ training can help you unlock your full potential.