homework work life balance

• EXPLORE Random Article
• Happiness Hub

How to Balance Homework and Chores

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. This article has been viewed 98,337 times.

Sometimes you are so busy with things like doing the dishes, cleaning your room, mowing the lawn, and doing your homework that there’s not enough time for the fun things in life. While homework and chores are important, it doesn’t mean that they need to occupy all of your time. Balancing your homework and your chores will give you the extra time you need to socialize and enjoy your favorite hobbies.

Getting Yourself Organized

• As you complete each task, cross it off on the list so that you remember that you don’t have to do it anymore.
• Create your list on a piece of paper or your cellphone. Storing lists mentally leaves room for you to forget what you need to do.
• During the day you may get additional chores or homework assignments. When you do, make sure to add them to your list.

• Your schedule doesn’t need to be as specific as an hour-by-hour schedule, but the more specific you are the better. A day-to-day schedule will allow you to plot out important chores per day so that by the end of the week you’ll have completed all of them.
• 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Homework
• 5:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. - Vacuum Dining Room
• 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Clean Room
• 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Socialize!

• Throw things away like empty bottles of water or loose pieces of paper as soon as you don’t need them anymore.
• The more you stay on top of your clutter, the less work you have to do all at once.

• Keeping a binder or trapper keeper with separate compartments can help you keep any important homework.
• Make sure to keep things you don’t need anymore in a separate place. You don’t want your folders to become cluttered and unorganized.
• Be careful when you throw away things you get in class. You may need it for a quiz or test in the future.

• Reading assignments can take a long time if you wait to read the material. By using your free time to read, you can start working on the essay portion of the assignment quickly.

Staying on Task

• If you like playing video or computer games, save it for after your homework. You want to keep your mind sharp so you can get good grades and still get it done as fast as possible.
• Social texting is pretty normal, but every time you break your concentration and do something else you’re making the time you have to spend on homework longer. Text the person back and let them know that you’ll get back to them when you’re done.

• The more you procrastinate the more that you’ll be stressed about not having enough time to finish all of your chores and your homework. Do it early so you can sit back, relax, and have a good time with your friends.

• Even though chores are important, education comes first. Do your homework before you do your chores when you get home.

• Don’t be rude. Explain to the person that you need to get your homework done or else it will affect your grades. You aren’t trying to be mean, you just want to stay on task.
• If you’re not used to telling people “no,” the only way to get used to it is to practice. Your friends will understand.

• Offer something in return for fewer chores, like better grades or A’s on your report card.
• If you have siblings try to trade chores with them.
• Don’t get mad at your parents if you realize that you have too many chores to get everything done. Simply explain to them first and then negotiate the alternatives.

Maintaining a Healthy Body and Mind

• Exercising can also be a hobby, like a sport that you enjoy. As long as you are getting out there and moving, it’s better than sitting around!
• Gym isn’t enough exercise for most people. Make sure that you take up another physical hobby like basketball, hockey, martial arts, tennis, dance, or something else that’s challenging. Try out different things to see what you like best. [5] X Research source

• Going outside and taking a 10-minute walk to get fresh air is a great thing to do when you take a break.

• If you are between the ages of 14 to 17 you'll need around 8 to 10 hours of sleep to feel fully rested. If you are over 17 you'll need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep to feel good.

Expert Q&A

• Doing all three methods together will give you the most time to be social and practice your hobbies. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Try taking on an active or physical hobby so that you can stay active while still doing something you love. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• On Friday you can relax since you have the entire weekend to do what you need! Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
• ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21228167
• ↑ http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/lack-of-physical-education-in-schools-concerns-parents/
• ↑ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mental-downtime/
• ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21075236

About this article

To balance your homework and chores, start by creating a schedule of the work you have to do and the time you have available. Then, clear your study space of any games or electronics that might distract you, and try to focus on finishing your work as efficiently as possible. However, everyone needs breaks, so give yourself 5 minutes off every 30 minutes. Try to prioritize your homework over your chores, but talk to your parents if you feel overwhelmed by it all. Keep in mind that they may ask you to prove you’re doing your homework to justify getting out of chores! For more tips, including how to stay healthy during school term, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

Reader Success Stories

Oct 22, 2018

Did this article help you?

Aug 8, 2016

Dec 7, 2023

Nov 23, 2017

• About wikiHow
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Tips For Balancing Work And Home Life And Maintaining Mental Health

The term “work-life balance” refers to the concept of managing one’s time and responsibilities at work and at home while maintaining overall mental and physical well-being. It’s thought that the term first came into use in the 1980s with the Women’s Liberation Movement, as women’s roles in the workforce began to expand while the expectation of their traditional roles as caregivers in the home stayed the same. Today, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, talk of work-life balance and how to achieve it is widespread.

Adequately balancing work and one’s personal life can be integral for health as well as for quality of life and overall well-being. Here, we’ll look at statistics and research findings about work-life balance and share suggestions for creating more balance in your own life.

Prevalence of work-life imbalance in the US workforce

According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey,  77% of workers said they experienced workplace stress at the time of the survey. It also said that 57% say they’ve experienced negative impacts due to work-related stress, such as: 

• Emotional exhaustion
• Demotivation
• Social withdrawal
• A desire to quit their job
• Lower productivity at work
• Irritability/anger with customers and coworkers
• Feeling ineffective at their jobs

Balancing work and home life: Who is the most impacted?

Research indicates that several factors impact work-life balance in the US, many of which are associated with the cultural, economic, and political environments as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the groups most impacted by work-life imbalance as a result of these factors include:

• Women. Historically, women experience higher levels of burnout than their male counterparts, and the number more than doubled between 2019 and 2021. This may have to do with the persistence of traditional gender roles and expectations of modern women to work outside the home but still raise children and do most of the household labor.
• Workers under 30. As they entered the workforce during the pandemic, Gen Z and younger millennials in particular faced challenges associated with the economic and political environment of the time—plus widespread layoffs and concerns about the future impacts of artificial intelligence on the job market. As a result, many of those newer in their careers have experienced persistent uncertainty and stress. 
• Educators. A 2022 Gallup poll indicates that educators experience higher levels of burnout than those in any other industry in the US, with 52% of K-12 teachers reporting they “always” or “often” feel burned out at work. 
• People working from home. The relationship between workplace satisfaction and working from home is complex due to factors like “Zoom fatigue” and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Post-COVID, many report spending more hours working as a remote employee than they did in the office—largely because they find it challenging to disengage from work during off hours and because they may not have the same technology at home as in the office. 

Practical tips for achieving a healthier work-life balance

Achieving balance between work and family/personal life is essential for many different elements of well-being. Here are some tips for effectively managing your work life, personal life, and personal or family responsibilities to achieve the greatest possible balance.

Strategies to try at work

The strategies you might use to reduce or manage stress and find balance at work can depend significantly on the type of work you do and where you do it. It’s also important to acknowledge economic factors that may make it even harder for individuals who make a lower income and/or face systemic barriers to achieve work-life balance. Supporting legislation related to worker’s rights and benefits may help promote equity in this area.

All that said, some of the following tips may be helpful for finding a good work-life balance in some cases:

• Try productivity techniques. Procrastination can cause overwhelm and add to work stress. Dividing up large or unpleasant tasks into smaller ones may help alleviate such feelings and boost productivity, as may strategies like the Pomodoro method .
• Take breaks. Research indicates that even small breaks may help improve focus, cognitive functioning , and the ability to cope with stress.
• Communicate. If you feel overwhelmed at work, it can sometimes help to communicate honestly with your boss and coworkers about your workload and discuss potential solutions. Delegating or collaborating when possible might also be useful.
• Ask about accommodations. Depending on the job type and industry, some organizations offer accommodations for employees experiencing burnout, such as more flexible hours, remote work options, or even time off for mental health breaks. Reasonable accommodations are also legally safeguarded for individuals with a disability or mental health challenges that may affect their work, so asking about these, if applicable, may also be worth considering.
• Be wary of perfectionism. For some people, it can be easy to fall into patterns of overworking—often at the expense of their mental health. If you’re putting pressure on yourself to achieve perfect output or always go above and beyond, scaling back your standards to be more reasonable and acting with self-compassion might be helpful.

Strategies to try at home

When you’re not on the clock, setting boundaries with your work and aiming to care for yourself as best as possible with the time you have may help you on the road to a healthy work-life balance. Some tips include:

• Practice self-care. Self-care is a personalized set of practices designed to boost your physical, mental, and emotional health. Some examples of self-care can include exercising regularly, making time for hobbies you enjoy, journaling, getting enough time alone as needed, and eating nutritious foods.
• Try relaxation techniques. Numerous studies suggest that regularly practicing techniques like mindfulness exercises, deep breathing exercises, and mindful movement activities like tai chi may help reduce acute and chronic stress and improve mental health in general.
• Schedule downtime. Whenever possible, take time for activities you enjoy that help you relax and recharge. Regularly engaging in things like exercise, hobbies, and a healthy social life can be critical for maintaining a good work-life balance and overall well-being. 
• Limit screen time. Disconnect from work emails and notifications, if applicable, outside of work hours to help you reduce stress, set boundaries, and prevent burnout.

Seeking support for stress or burnout

Symptoms of problematic work stress or burnout may include things like:

• Persistent emotional and physical fatigue
• Feelings of negativity or cynicism
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Feelings of hopelessness and uselessness
• Signs of depression
• Irritability
• Difficulty paying attention and maintaining focus 
• Disruptions in sleep and appetite
• Physical symptoms like headaches and gastrointestinal discomfort
• Misuse of alcohol, drugs, nicotine, food, or other “self-medication” measures
• Increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and/or blood sugar levels 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are otherwise struggling with stress or poor work-life balance, it’s generally recommended that you seek guidance from a mental health professional. When unaddressed, these feelings can lead to more serious mental health concerns like clinical anxiety and depression. 

Despite the importance of seeking support for stress, some people experience obstacles that keep them from getting professional help. For example, commuting to and from in-office therapy can be impossible with a busy schedule, and cost can be a major barrier to care as well.

In such cases, many people find that virtual therapy alleviates some of these barriers to treatment, since it allows you to get matched and meet with a licensed provider from anywhere you have an internet connection. For example, online therapy eliminates the commute to and from an office and often provides more flexibility in scheduling options. 

Online therapy platforms also offer individuals a broader selection of experienced mental health professionals from a diverse variety of backgrounds, making it easier to find the right match. Additionally, online therapy is typically more affordable than traditional in-office treatment without insurance coverage. Research also suggests that online and in-person therapy can be similarly effective in many cases.

Frequently asked questions

What does creating balance in work and home life mean?

Creating balance in work and home life means managing your time and energy so that work responsibilities don’t overwhelm your personal life. It’s about prioritizing both areas in a way that keeps you happy and productive.

Why is it important to have a work-life balance for your mental health?

A work-life balance is important for your mental health because it reduces stress, prevents burnout, and boosts overall mental well-being. It allows you to recharge, be present with loved ones, and enjoy your personal life.

What is an unhealthy work-life balance?

An unhealthy work-life balance occurs when work takes over your personal time, leading to stress, fatigue, and negative effects on your mental and physical health.

How do you balance work and home life for better mental health?

To balance work and home life for better mental health, set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and make time for relaxation. This helps prevent overwhelm and promotes better mental health.

What hinders work-life balance?

Factors like excessive workloads, lack of time management, and difficulty setting boundaries can hinder a work-life balance.

What is the most common cause of poor work-life balance, and how does it impact balancing work and home life?

The most common cause of poor work-life balance is overworking. This impacts balancing work and home life by leaving little time for rest or family, which can harm relationships and mental health.

What are the symptoms of poor work-life balance?

Symptoms of poor work-life balance include feeling constantly stressed, exhausted, or burned out. You may also struggle with sleep issues, irritability, or neglecting personal relationships.

How do I fix my work-life balance?

You can fix your work-life balance by setting boundaries, managing your time better, delegating tasks, and making time for activities that help you relax and recharge.

What are the five steps to achieve work-life balance?

To achieve work-life balance, set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Then, rank your to-do list to concentrate on the most crucial items, both personally and professionally. Assign work wherever you can to reduce your workload. Make time for yourself so that you can unwind and rejuvenate. Lastly, to keep a healthy balance, evaluate your routine on a regular basis and make adjustments.

What does a healthy work-life balance look like?

Having enough time for work, hobbies, and relationships without feeling overburdened is essential for a healthy work-life balance. It maintains your mental well-being and productivity.

• Family Mental Health & Culture: Embracing Intersectionality Medically reviewed by Corey Pitts , MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
• Understanding Mental Health In Single-Parent Families Medically reviewed by April Justice , LICSW
• Relationships and Relations