Tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance

June 15, 2023

Why integration of life’s aspects is important.

A young boy is smiling in front of a yellow background.

Life is busy, there’s no way around that, which is why experts the world over advise a healthy work-life balance. But what is a healthy work-life balance? It’s a comfortable relationship between your work and all the other important things in your life, such as: family, your relationship, social life, time for yourself and maintaining a household.

Why is a work-life balance important? It’s important because it probably means that you’re more likely to have the mental, emotional, and physical energy to give your children what they need to grow, develop, and thrive. Balancing your life also means you have the mental space to enjoy your life, manage stress more successfully, and maintain your mental and physical health.

In short, a work-life balance helps keep burnout at bay.

Balancing your work and life

But for most parents, when the kids have finally gone to bed you really only get to experience a single moment of calm before jumping back onto the have-tos of life. Instead of reading a book or catching up on your favourite series, or spending some time with your partner, you’re hopping onto the laptop for those last few emails, catching up on a few chores, even prepping the week’s meals.

That’s not balance!

The truth is that the term “work-life balance” is a misleading one – it implies that when you get it right, your every day will encompass the perfect balance of “work” and “home”. Which is just not feasible because at different points in your life you will have different priorities and different commitments. And then, life happens too. So, there’ll be weeks in life where deadlines and work projects demand your full attention. There’ll be times when you, your children, or your partner are sick and need extra special attention. And there are times where you’ll have to drop a few of the balls you’re juggling to deal with an emergency or crisis. Some days work gets the most of you, other days your family and life need your attention more and work takes a back seat. Because everyday life isn’t compartmentalised.

So, when you look at it this way, work-life balance is really more of a long-term thing. It’s how all the aspects of your life play out over a month or even years, and how you reprioritise them around the day’s work and life needs. It’s about having compassion for yourself and being flexible when it comes to meeting all the demands on your being. It’s really about integration instead of balance.

Tips for work-life integration

This integration is critical, and there are so many ways to achieve it that it’s difficult to plot out a series of one-size-fits-all steps to get it right. It really depends on the individual circumstances of your life and work, but there is one thing that would apply to us all: work-life integration means that the aspects of your life can get the attention they need, when they need it, and in a way that leaves you feeling able to move forward confidently and guilt-free. So, think about addressing some aspects of your life to help free up the capacity for this, such as:

Look at ways to make your work, work for you. This may be anything from negotiating work-from-home privileges or flexible hours, to finding new opportunities, working part-time, or giving up work entirely (but only if your family budget will allow for this).
Efficiency is key. This doesn’t mean you have to take on responsibility for each and every task in your work and home. It means, taking a hard look at your life and commitments, and making decisions around what are musts, what are nice-to-dos, and what is just not achievable. For example, are late nights a necessity every day? Perhaps it’s worth looking at your workload and having honest discussions with your employer about their expectations and your capacity.
Arranging your day to tackle the most challenging tasks in the morning so that your afternoons are less likely to be roadblocks when emergencies or crises pop up.
Talk to your family and children honestly and age-appropriately about your work-life balance. They just need to know that they are important to you no matter what.
Ask for help. That old saying that raising a child takes a village is true. So, build and call on your village when needed, and be there for them when they need it too.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025

A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”

10 Reasons Why Early Childhood Development is Important

By ADvTECH Group • April 15, 2025

The 10 reasons why the first six years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to early childhood development, read all about it in this article.

One to one correspondence

By Ashmita Mistry • April 8, 2025

Crawford schools blog article on one-to-one correspondence in early development and the importance of this developmental skill that adults take for granted.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

March 28, 2025

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.

Career guidance for grade 9: Student resting against a whiteboard with books

Career guidance for Grade 9: What subjects should you choose?

By ADvTECH Group • March 19, 2025

Let’s try and make sense of career guidance by giving you some information on how to choose your Grade 10 to 12 subjects. Read on to find some helpful pointers.

A young boy in a plaid shirt is giving a thumbs up.

Determining Your Childs' Personality Type

March 19, 2025

Empower yourself as a parent by learning how to determine your child's personality type. Read more at Crawford International.

Understanding the Kinesthetic Learning Style

By Neo Moshoeu • February 27, 2025

Explore how hands-on activities and physical engagement benefit kinesthetic learners, and discover teaching strategies that harness movement to boost comprehension and retention.

The Power of Warm Demanders in Education and Their Impact on Student Outcomes

February 21, 2025

Learn how warm demanders—teachers who combine firm expectations with genuine care—can foster positive student-teacher relationships, boost academic achievement, and strengthen learners’ resilience in the classroom.

The Role of Digital Literacy in Education

February 14, 2025

Discover how digital literacy shapes modern classrooms by fostering critical thinking, enhancing collaboration, and preparing students for success in our rapidly evolving world.

A Guide for First-Time School Parents

February 7, 2025

Discover essential insights and practical tips to help you navigate your child’s first year at school, from enrollment steps to building a positive learning environment.