let’s get into something I think we all wrestle with: balancing work and play. It’s one of those things that sounds so simple in theory but feels nearly impossible some weeks. You’re juggling deadlines, commitments, and all those little things that fill up your calendar, and suddenly it feels like there’s no room left for anything else. But here’s the thing—finding that balance isn’t just about feeling less stressed. It’s about building a life that actually feels good to live.

For me, the biggest shift was realizing that play—whether that’s hobbies, spending time with friends, or just relaxing—isn’t something you earn after working hard. It’s just as important as work. Play is what keeps you creative, energized, and, let’s be honest, sane. When I started thinking about it that way, I stopped seeing time off as “wasted” and started treating it like the fuel that powers everything else.

One of the ways I’ve tried to balance things better is by setting boundaries with work. I know that word gets thrown around a lot, but it’s so critical. For example, I used to check emails constantly, even late at night or on weekends. It felt like I had to be available all the time, but all it did was drain me. Now, I have a hard stop at the end of my workday. When I’m done, I’m done. The emails can wait, the tasks can wait—because, honestly, they’re not going anywhere. It’s made such a difference in how I feel when I actually am working.

Another thing I’ve found helpful is scheduling play just like I schedule work. It sounds a little weird, but hear me out. If you block off time in your calendar for things you enjoy, it becomes part of your routine. For me, that might be going for a run, meeting a friend for coffee, or even just an hour to read a book. When I treat those moments with the same importance as a meeting or deadline, they actually happen. And when they happen, I feel more refreshed when it’s time to dive back into work.

Speaking of running, that’s one of the ways I’ve found to bridge the gap between work and play. It’s productive in the sense that it keeps me healthy and clears my mind, but it also feels like an escape. There’s something about lacing up my shoes and hitting the trail that puts everything in perspective. And it’s a reminder that balance doesn’t always mean separating work and play completely. Sometimes, they overlap in ways that make both better.

Another thing I’ve had to learn is the power of saying no. It’s so easy to overcommit, especially when you want to do everything and make everyone happy. But every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else—whether that’s your downtime, your hobbies, or just your peace of mind. Now, when I’m asked to take on something new, I ask myself: “Is this worth giving up the time I’ve set aside for myself?” If the answer is no, I don’t do it. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

Of course, balance doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly equal all the time. There are weeks when work takes over, and that’s okay. The trick is making sure it doesn’t stay that way. When things get intense, I try to remind myself that it’s a temporary season, not a permanent state. And when the dust settles, I make it a priority to recharge—whether that’s taking a long weekend, diving back into a hobby I’ve missed, or just spending a lazy Sunday at home.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to think about life as a set of spinning plates. You can’t keep all of them going at the same speed all the time. Sometimes, work needs more attention, and other times, it’s your personal life or your health. The goal isn’t to spin all the plates perfectly—it’s to make sure none of them crash.

Lastly, I’ve found that reflecting on what actually makes me happy helps a lot. It’s so easy to get caught up in what you think you’re supposed to be doing—working harder, achieving more, staying busy all the time. But when I take a step back and really think about the things that bring me joy, they’re usually the simple things: spending time outside, connecting with people I care about, or just having a quiet moment to myself. Keeping those priorities in mind helps me cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

At the end of the day, balance isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about paying attention to what you need and making space for it—whether that’s putting in the hours at work or giving yourself the freedom to play. When you do that, life feels a lot more fulfilling. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?