Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth (And What to Do Instead)

If you're anything like me, you’re probably caught in the whirlwind of trying to balance your business, your family, and some much-needed 'me time', all while keeping your energy up and avoiding burnout.

Easy, right?

Here's my hot-take: work-life balance is a myth. It’s a concept that sounds great in theory, but in practice, it often leaves us more stressed, more overwhelmed, and closer to burnout.

So, what’s the alternative? It’s about finding a rhythm; a flow that feels both energising and sustainable for you, so that you actually can have your cake and eat it.

Why work-life balance doesn’t work

First off, let’s acknowledge the pressure you might be putting on yourself to achieve this elusive 'balance'. The idea that we can neatly divide our time into equal chunks for work, family, and self-care is simply unrealistic; life isn’t a 50-50 split, it’s a constantly shifting dynamic.

Some days, your work might require more of your attention. Other days, family or rest might take the spotlight. That’s normal. Trying to keep everything equal can make us feel guilty for not giving one area more time, or we start resenting the parts of our lives that seem to be taking up all the space. When we try to chase balance, we often end up with burnout.

Here’s why: trying to fit your work into a perfectly structured box creates rigidity. It turns work into something you 'have to' do instead of something that serves you, and it makes space for more pressure, more stress, and more exhaustion. It’s time to stop forcing it.

The key here is finding your own rhythm that allows you to move between your business, your relationships, and your own wellbeing without sacrificing one for the other. It’s about ease, not perfection.

The cost of 'balance' and why rhythm is the answer

When you’re focused on achieving perfect balance, you miss out on living fully. You become fixated on a number—how many hours you’ve spent on work, how many hours you’ve spent on rest, and how to make those numbers 'add up' correctly.

But life isn’t an equation. And while it’s important to give time to each part of your life, it’s equally important to give yourself the flexibility to show up as you are in the moment. Trying to measure out equal portions of your time is exhausting and absolutely unsustainable. The more you stress about the balancing act, the more you invite feelings of overwhelm and frustration into your day.

The cost of 'balance' is this constant striving for perfection (even with our best habits). It’s the never-ending cycle of guilt and feeling like you’re never doing enough.

So, how do we break out of that cycle? By finding a rhythm that works. A rhythm that changes and adapts based on what’s going on in your life. A rhythm where you embrace the ebb and flow of work, life, and rest—without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Creating a sustainable rhythm

Creating a rhythm doesn’t require big, dramatic changes in your life—it’s about small, intentional shifts that support your energy and overall well-being. Here are some practical steps to get you started:

1. Work in blocks

   Instead of working non-stop for hours, focus on one task at a time. Set a timer for 30 or 60 minutes and give that task your full attention. When the timer goes off, step away. Take a break. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block or a few minutes of stretching, it’s essential to reset and give your brain a rest.

   This approach not only helps you work more efficiently but also prevents burnout by allowing your mind to stay sharp without getting overwhelmed.

2. Honour your energy

   We all have times during the day when we feel more alert and creative, and times when we feel sluggish and drained. If you’re a morning person, tackle your most important, creative work first thing. If you tend to feel sluggish in the afternoon, schedule your routine tasks or meetings then. By listening to your body’s natural rhythm, you’ll get more done with less effort, and you won’t burn out trying to force yourself through the low-energy periods of your day.
   

3. Integrate breaks We’ve been taught to power-through, to work until we’re finished. We even feel a sense of pride, we get a virtual badge of honour, if we work late / until collapse / a 50-hour week. But the truth is, our brains categorically need breaks to perform at their best.

   Step away from your desk, grab a cup of tea, do something that brings you joy, or even take a power nap if you can. Short breaks throughout the day not only refresh your mind, but they also help reset your nervous system. By prioritising these breaks, you’ll stay productive and keep your energy levels stable.
   

4. Focus on working smarter, not harder It’s not about working more hours—it’s about making the hours you work count. When you honour your energy, break your tasks into manageable chunks, and integrate breaks, you’ll be more focused, more productive, and ultimately, more satisfied with the work you’re doing. This helps to eliminate the feeling of burnout because you’re no longer forcing yourself to be “on” all the time.
   

5. Give yourself permission to rest Finally, and this is a big one: rest is not optional. It’s essential for both your physical and mental well-being. And yet, we often feel guilty about taking time to rest. Rest doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it means you’re investing in your future energy. Think of it as an essential part of your work rhythm; an essential part of being productive. Whether it’s an afternoon off to recharge or a weekend spent entirely away from work, make rest a priority in your rhythm. Your future self will thank you for it.
   

Finding your rhythm

Okay, so now you know the steps. But how do you actually find what rhythm works for you? It’s simple, really: start small. Take note of how you’re feeling during different parts of your day—when you’re tired, when you’re alert, when you’re creative, when you’re drained—and build your rhythm from there. It really doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s about what works for you, based on your energy levels and your life demands.

Take your time with this. You’re not going to figure it all out in one go, and that’s okay. The goal is to gradually get in tune with what your body and mind need to feel energised, fulfilled, and balanced. And remember—this is a rhythm that’s flexible. It can change day-to-day, week-to-week. Life happens, and it’s okay to adapt as you go.

If you’re looking for more guidance on how to create a rhythm that works for you, I’d love to help. Join me over on my Substack, Joyful, where I share even more insights, tips, and strategies on living with more ease and energy, without the burnout.

You deserve a life where you feel energised, alive, and in control of your rhythm. And it starts with you—one small step at a time. Let’s do this together.