Introduction
Work-life balance is often misunderstood as a luxury, but it’s essential for maintaining healthy relationships and a fulfilling life. Do not let your coffee sit too long and be surprised it’s cold. This is not about coffee, actually. It’s about our relationships—with friends, family, significant others, and everyone in between. Like plants, relationships need to be nurtured. However, that has become such a daunting task due to the lack of time. Most of us are caught up in 9-to-5 or 8-to-5 jobs, and our work-life balance suffers.
How do you perform outside of the workplace? How do you achieve the perfect work-life balance? Let’s find out.
Key Reminder: You Are Replaceable !
Are you an NBA fan? If yes, you’ve probably heard about the Luka/AD trade. I mean, why would someone trade one of the best players in the league who got you to the playoffs last year?
Moral of the story: no one is irreplaceable. Even Luka Dončić isn’t.
No matter how good you are at your job, no matter how much work you put in, or how much revenue you generate—you are still replaceable. That’s why you must always put your health and well-being first.
Don’t get me wrong though: you have to work hard, and you have to deliver. If possible, I even recommend putting in extra hours now and then, especially if there’s an emergency or you need to catch up.
My point is: it’s okay to work hard. It’s even highly recommended. But always remember—your well-being comes first. Rest when needed. That’s the key to sustaining a healthy work-life balance.
Tip #1 : Plan Your Way to Better Work-life Balance
One of the first images that comes to mind when I think about the last place I interned is a poster that read: “If you don’t plan, how do you plan to succeed?” (Kudos, Birane.)
At first, it made me laugh. Then I realized it was true.
So, the best way to stay in touch with friends and family despite the lack of time is to… plan it!
Allocate moments in your busy calendar to check up on loved ones. You can even set an alarm if you want to (just like my friend Ameth Ba).
Tip #2 :Use spontaneity to maintain Work-life Balance
Corporate life is not easy, especially if you’re in a field as demanding as aviation. You’re often so busy that you barely get the time to check on family and friends. Then, when the weekend comes—unless you’re working—you might still forget because of errands and chores.
This is where spontaneity comes in handy.
Sometimes, you’re working or out and about, and a random friend or family member pops into your mind. Personally, I take that as a sign to check in—whether it’s through a quick call or a simple message. This trick has made my life much easier when it comes to maintaining relationships while striving for work-life balance.
Tip #3: Use Instagram Reels to stay connected with friends and family
This one may not apply to everyone, but for those of us who are active on social media, Instagram Reels can be a surprisingly effective way to stay connected with loved ones—especially friends and family who live far away.
Reels aren’t just random funny videos. They often reflect the interests, moods, and humor of the people who share them. Personally, I use them to maintain a sense of presence in my friends’ lives, even if we’re in different time zones. When I see a reel that reminds me of someone—whether it’s a joke we once shared or a clip from a show we both love—I send it to them. It’s quick, effortless, and it keeps the communication flowing.
Even better? Reels often start conversations. One meme leads to a reply, then to voice notes, and sometimes to a spontaneous call. It’s a modern-day version of saying, “Hey, I saw this and thought of you.”
So yes, while social media gets a lot of criticism for reducing attention spans or promoting distractions, when used intentionally, it can help nurture relationships and make distant connections feel a little closer. And that, in its own way, supports work-life balance.
Tip #4 : Use Snapstreaks to stay connected with friends and family
Another tool that can help maintain relationships is Snapchat’s “Snapstreak” feature. If you’re unfamiliar, Snapstreaks are created when two users exchange snaps (not chats) within 24 hours for consecutive days. At first, it may seem trivial or even childish—but it’s actually a smart way to stay consistently in touch.
Personally, I use Snapstreaks to stay connected with a small circle of friends. The daily interaction may be as simple as a selfie or a snapshot of my morning coffee, but it keeps the bond alive. Even during hectic weeks, that small digital “ping” is a reminder that someone out there is thinking of you—and vice versa.
Snapstreaks can also reinforce the rhythm of daily communication without the emotional pressure of full-on conversations. It’s a way of saying “I’m still here” without demanding much energy, making it ideal for those navigating demanding jobs while trying to preserve their work-life balance.
The playful competition of keeping the streak going also motivates both sides to stay in touch. And in the busy adult world where time is limited, tools like Snapstreaks help bridge the gap between intention and action when it comes to staying in touch.
Conclusion
Work-life balance isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing process. You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. The important thing is to stay aware, prioritize what matters, and take small steps that protect both your productivity and your peace of mind.
Whether it’s through strategic planning, spontaneous check-ins, a funny Instagram reel, or a quick Snapstreak, staying connected to loved ones doesn’t have to be hard. After all, life is richer when it’s shared—and maintaining your relationships is a big part of achieving work-life balance.
