While keeping oneself busy to fulfil the demands of the workplace, individuals might find themselves grappling with mounting stress, dwindling time for self-care and strained relationships with loved ones. Recognising the importance of establishing clear boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal well-being is essential for safeguarding mental health and overall satisfaction.

Psychologist Laxman Nath who works as a programme coordinator at the Centre for Mental Health & Counselling - Nepal (CMC-Nepal), elaborates on the issue.

How does an imbalance between work and personal life affect a person's mental health?

When our work and personal lives are out of balance, it can have a big effect on our mental and physical health, how well we do at work, and our relationships. This imbalance can make us feel more stressed, tired, and uninterested in taking care of ourselves, sometimes leading to burnout. It also makes us feel less confident and in control. Ignoring our personal relationships and hobbies can make us feel even more lonely and isolated. At work, it can lower our morale and make it harder to communicate, leading to feelings of frustration and loneliness. In simple terms, it means we can't show love to the people we care about, and we might feel disconnected from our work and home life. Over time, this imbalance can cause ongoing stress, anxiety and depression and make us feel less happy overall.

How can individuals identify their boundaries between work and personal life, and why is this important?

Recognising the importance of both work and personal life is crucial before establishing personal boundaries. These boundaries will vary based on individual needs, priorities, values and skills. Reflecting on factors like comfort levels, efficiency and support systems helps in setting these boundaries effectively. Flexibility is necessary, especially during urgent situations, but basic needs like sleep, self-care, and family time should not be compromised. Seeking advice from colleagues, family, and authorities can provide valuable insights.

Establishing a daily routine and seeking support from the workplace is also essential. Setting boundaries improves overall well-being and work efficiency, enhancing satisfaction and fostering fulfilling experiences in both work and personal life. This balance contributes to better performance at work and stronger personal relationships, fostering growth and quality engagement in both spheres of life.

Are there specific strategies you recommend for maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

The first step in maintaining a healthy work-life balance is recognising its importance and discussing it regularly at both work and home. This helps identify the causes of imbalance early on and find ways to manage it, including seeking support. Creating a clear schedule helps establish boundaries between work and personal life, while also evaluating how time is spent to improve time management.

Addressing issues like procrastination or excessive workload is crucial, along with identifying and improving any lacking skills. Communication is key, whether it's discussing workload with superiors or prioritising quality time with loved ones. Taking breaks and managing social media exposure can also prevent burnout. Ultimately, self-care is essential for effective work-life management.

What warning signs indicate someone may need professional help to address work-related stress?

Several warning signs may indicate that someone requires professional assistance to address work-related stress. Firstly, observable behaviours such as low morale, apathy, and impaired communication, along with a sense of isolation and a lack of teamwork, suggest underlying issues that may require intervention. Additionally, low productivity, aggressive behaviour and frequent absenteeism due to stress-related illness can signal significant distress and the need for professional support.

Symptoms of burnout, including chronic exhaustion, pessimism, and detachment from both job and personal life, are key indicators that someone may be struggling with their mental health. A decline in performance, coupled with physical symptoms, further underscores the severity of the situation. Moreover, a noticeable lack of interest in day-to-day work tasks, self-care practices, or spending time with family can signify a deeper emotional struggle that necessitates professional intervention.

Finally, a persistent feeling of unhappiness, being overwhelmed, or experiencing continuous anxiety are red flags that should not be ignored.

What practical changes can individuals make to improve their work-life balance and overall mental well-being?

Prioritising tasks at work and setting limits on social media and screen time to maintain focus and prevent distractions. Additionally, investing in personal and professional development by sharpening work-related skills and honing communication abilities can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in both domains.

Flexibility in work schedules allows for a better balance between professional responsibilities and personal commitments while building a strong support network of trusted individuals provides invaluable assistance during challenging times. Recognising one’s own strengths and weaknesses enables informed decision-making and effective boundary-setting, while seeking help when needed, whether from colleagues, friends, or professionals and promotes overall well-being.

Spending quality time with family fosters meaningful connections and reinforces the importance of work-life balance, as does prioritising sleep hygiene and maintaining physical health through regular exercise and healthy habits. Taking regular breaks throughout the day allows for mental recharge and prevents burnout, while also serving as an opportunity to seek support or professional assistance when necessary.