6 Tips for Africans to Achieve a Healthy Work Life Balance

By: Foluke Akinwalere. Freelance Health Writer. Medical review and editorial support provided by the DLHA Team.

September 25, 2025

Image of an African man in professional wear holding small a set of wooden pieces that together read: Work Life Balance. Click on image to enlarge

Dive into the actionable steps you can take to achieve a work and personal life harmony that meets your needs:

1. Prioritise Your Tasks

Task management tool (The Eisenhower matrix). Click on image to enlarge

One of the most effective ways to create a work and personal life harmony is by learning to focus on what truly matters.

Use life skills tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to allocate tasks based on urgency and importance.

• Focus on high-priority tasks during your most productive hours
• Schedule non-priority but important tasks for later.
• Delegate tasks whenever possible to lighten your workload.
• Discard tasks that are unimportant and are a distraction 

By prioritising effectively, you’ll not only reduce stress but also free up time for personal activities.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Set boundaries. Click on image to enlarge. Photo credit: Freepik.

One of the biggest challenges in achieving work-life balance is the inability to separate work from personal life.

• Define your working hours and communicate them with colleagues and clients.
• Avoid checking emails or answering calls outside these hours unless necessary/emergency.
• Create a physical workspace separate from areas where you relax to avoid distractions.

Clear boundaries help prevent burnout and allow you to enjoy downtime without interruptions.
 

3. Schedule Time for Self-Care

A black woman engaging in mindfulness practice outdoor. Click on image to enlarge. Photo credit: Freepik

Neglecting self-care is a sure path  to burnout. Self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining productivity and well-being. Treat personal time with the same importance as a work meeting.

• Dedicate time to activities that refresh and recharge you, like exercise, reading, or meditation.
• Ensure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night
• Practice mindfulness to stay present and reduce stress.

When you prioritise self-care, you’ll find that both your work and personal life improve significantly.
 

4. Learn To Say No

Learn to say No. Click on image to enlarge. Photo credit: Freepik.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you say “yes” to every request.  Learning to say “no” is a vital step in achieving a healthy work-life balance.

• Politely decline tasks that don’t align with your goals or capacity.
• Set realistic expectations with your colleagues and loved ones.
• Recognise that saying “no” to unnecessary demands is saying “yes” to your own well-being.

Boundaries are not just about time—they’re about energy too.

5. Use Technology Wisely

A black lady looking at her phone. Click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik

Technology can either enhance your productivity or contribute to burnout—it all depends on how you use it.

• Use apps like Trello or Asana to streamline work processes and track progress.
• Set boundaries with technology by enabling “do not disturb” modes during personal time.
• Consider taking regular digital breaks to reduce screen fatigue.

When used wisely, technology can help you save time and stay focused without constant distractions.
 

6. Foster Supportive Relationships

A black mother and child spending time together. Click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik

Your relationships—both personal and professional—are a crucial part of achieving balance.

• Share your struggles and successes with trusted friends, family, or mentors.
• Build a support network of like-minded individuals who value work-life balance.
• Make time to nurture meaningful connections, even during busy periods.

Building strong personal and professional connections helps you navigate life’s demands more effectively.

Special Considerations for Remote Workers

A black professional working remotely from home. Image credit: Freepik

Remote work, whether fully from home or through hybrid arrangements that split time between home and office, has become the new normal globally and in Africa.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, many have had to adapt to these evolving work styles.  For some, it’s been their introduction to the workforce, starting their careers in remote roles without ever stepping into a traditional office setting.

Working from home has its perks, but also dims the lines between work and personal life. It brings unique challenges that can take a toll on your mental health.

The shift can lead to increased stress, dips in motivation, anxiety, and feelings of uncertainty.  On top of that, many struggle with concerns about job security or struggle to find the right balance between work, personal responsibilities, and family life. 

Here’s how you can maintain balance:

• Create a dedicated workspace:  This helps establish a clear boundary between work and relaxation.
• Set strict work hours:  Log off at the same time daily, even if work is just a room away.
• Set boundaries:  Working from home offers flexibility, so make the most of it.  However, it can also be challenging, especially with distractions like children at home who might see it as a holiday and want your attention.  Talk openly about your needs, especially with your family.  Let them know you have work to focus on and require quiet time, and share your schedule with them.
• Take regular breaks:  Step outside, stretch or grab a snack to reset.
• Stay connected with colleagues virtually:  This can alleviate the feeling of isolation and create a sense of community.
• Utilise time-tracking software to help track work hours and prevent overwork.

Remote work doesn’t have to mean “always on.”  With the right strategies, you can enjoy flexibility without compromising your well-being.

Resources:

1. Harvard Business Review, Work-Life Balance Is A Cycle, Not An Achievement. [Internet]. January 29, 2021. [Accessed 13 January 2024]  Available from here. 

2. Borowiec AA, Drygas W. Work-Life Balance and Mental and Physical Health among Warsaw Specialists, Managers and Entrepreneurs. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 28;20(1):492. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010492. Available from here. 

3. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. Signs of Workplace Stress, November 24, 2023 [Internet]. Accessed 16 December 2024 Available from here.

Related:

• How to Recognise the Signs of Burnout In Yourself or Others. A Guide for Africans
• Signs of Workplace Stress

Published: September 25,2025

© 2025. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.

Permission is given to copy, use and share content freely for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to source  attribution.