Let’s be honest: figuring out work-life balance in your 20s can feel like chasing a unicorn. You’re trying to juggle a full-time job, keep up with your friends, maintain some semblance of self-care, and maybe even work on a side hustle or passion project—all while scrolling through Instagram and feeling like everyone else has it all figured out. Spoiler alert: they don’t.

Here’s the thing about work-life balance—it’s not about perfectly splitting your time 50/50 between work and play. It’s about creating a flow that feels good for you and makes your life manageable, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Let’s break down how you can work smarter, rest better, and still make time for yourself.

Set Boundaries, and Actually Stick to Them

We’ve all been there: you tell yourself you’ll log off at 5 PM, but then an email pops up, and suddenly it’s 8 PM, and you’re still at your laptop. It’s time to set boundaries that work for you.

• Turn off notifications after work hours.
• If you’re working from home, create a “closing time” routine—shut down your computer, light a candle, or go for a walk to signal that work is done for the day.
• Don’t be afraid to say no to extra tasks if your plate is already full.

Prioritize What’s Important

Not every task or event is a priority, and that’s okay. Ask yourself, “What’s actually important right now?” Maybe it’s finishing a project at work, but maybe it’s also going to your best friend’s birthday dinner.

• Use a to-do list or planner to keep track of work deadlines and social plans so nothing sneaks up on you.
• Remember, it’s better to do a few things well than to try to do everything and burn out.

Create a Morning Routine That Works for You

How you start your day sets the tone for everything else. But don’t stress about having a “perfect” morning routine—it doesn’t have to look like a TikTok aesthetic video.

• Whether it’s making coffee, going for a quick walk, or journaling for five minutes, pick something that helps you feel grounded.
• And if you hit snooze a few times? That’s fine, too. You’re human.

Take Your Breaks (Yes, Even Lunch Breaks)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever worked through lunch or skipped breaks to “get ahead.” We’ve all been there, but taking breaks actually helps you stay productive.

• Go for a quick walk, grab a snack, or do something that has nothing to do with work, even if it’s just scrolling TikTok guilt-free for 15 minutes.
• If you’re in the office, step outside or catch up with a colleague.

Make Time for Fun

In your 20s, it’s easy to let your social life take a backseat to work, especially if you’re in the early stages of building your career. But having fun is just as important as hitting your deadlines.

• Plan weekly hangouts with friends, whether it’s a casual coffee date or a Netflix night in.

• Try something new, like a cooking class or joining a book club—it’s a great way to de-stress and meet people.

Listen to Your Body (and Your Mind)

Burnout can sneak up on you, especially when you’re always on the go. Pay attention to the signs that you might need to slow down.

• If you’re feeling tired, let yourself rest.

• If you’re overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to someone—whether it’s a friend, a therapist, or even a mentor at work.

Here’s the thing: you’re not going to get it “right” every single day, and that’s okay. Some days, work might take up more time, and other days, you’ll need a lazy afternoon to recharge. The key is not beating yourself up about it.

Work-life balance looks different for everyone. For some, it’s clocking out at 5 PM sharp every day. For others, it’s taking a few hours on Sunday to prep for the week so things feel less chaotic. The most important thing is figuring out what works for you and giving yourself permission to adjust as life changes.

At the end of the day, balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about making room for what matters most to you. And trust me, you’re doing better than you think.

Love, Laura