If you’ve been chasing that elusive “work-life balance,” I’ve got news for you—it’s a myth. But don’t worry! I’m going to show you something even better: work-life harmony.

Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth

Work-life balance sounds great, but it requires constant precision—like balancing books on your head or performing a tightrope act. In reality, our lives are too complex for everything to be perfectly balanced at all times. That’s why I prefer work-life harmony.

The Power of Work-Life Harmony

Work-life harmony means different aspects of your life work together, like instruments in an orchestra. Sometimes, one area takes center stage while others step back, but they all contribute to the bigger picture.

For example, when my career is the “star,” my family and personal life take supportive roles. The next month, it might be the opposite. Harmony allows for flexibility, while balance demands constant perfection—and let’s face it, none of us live in a perfect world.

2 Techniques I Use to Create Work-Life Harmony

1. Minimize Wasted Time

I used to feel like I wasted so much time waiting—whether in traffic, in line, or at the doctor’s office. So, I started leveraging that “dead time” to progress toward my goals. Here are a couple of ways I did this:

• Traffic: When my commute extended from 20 minutes to over an hour, I started hitting the gym before or after work to avoid peak traffic. I also turned traffic jams into productivity sessions by listening to audiobooks or podcasts, helping me achieve my goal of reading more.

• Waiting in Lines: I always have a book with me—either a physical one or an eBook on my phone. I also know people who take their hobbies (crocheting, sketching, or playing a phone game) with them while they wait. By using these moments to indulge in something I enjoy, I feel more rejuvenated and less stressed.

Pro Tip: You might not think you wait around that much, but give it a try! You’ll be surprised how much time you can reclaim.

2. Treat Sleep as a Necessity

Sleep is just as important as eating or drinking water. I used to think quantity was the key, but after learning about the relationship between heart rate variance, resting heart rate, and sleep quality, I realized it’s not just about how long I sleep but how well my body recovers during sleep.

Here’s what I do to make sure I get the quality sleep I need:

• Naps Count: If I couldn’t get a full night of sleep, I’d take a nap during lunch and then eat at my desk while checking emails. It’s not a perfect solution, but it helps me recharge.

• Tracking Biometrics: I started using an Oura Ring to track my sleep quality. When my heart rate variance is low, even 7+ hours of sleep leaves me groggy because my body didn’t recover properly. By paying attention to this, I can make adjustments the next day to ensure I’m working harmoniously with my body’s needs.

Designing a Harmonious Life (Yes, Even with a Busy Schedule)

Some of you might be thinking, “Gayleen, I’ve got kids, a job, a family—I don’t have control over my schedule.” But guess what? You have more control than you think. By leveraging your goals, waiting time, and sleep routines, you can design your harmonious life.

For instance, during the holiday rush, if you’re stuck in traffic or waiting in line, take a book, podcast, or hobby with you. When it comes to sleep, be intentional about making exceptions and have a recovery plan in place.

My Favorite Time Management Books

Here are a few books that have helped me on my journey to work-life harmony. I hope they inspire you too!

1. Off the Clock by Laura Vanderkam

2. What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam

3. Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Conclusion

Thank you for spending this time with me, investing in designing your harmonious life, and trusting me to guide you toward becoming a happier, calmer, and stronger version of yourself. Remember, work-life harmony is achievable, and it’s all about giving each part of your life the attention it needs when it needs it.

Checkout my next blog where I share how I found the right method for habit tracking—even though I hated it at first!

Until next time, I’m always in your corner.

Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth (And How I Use Work-Life Harmony to Achieve My Goals)