How to... achieve a work-life balance

It can be difficult to find the elusive balance between work and personal responsibilities, but the benefits make it worthwhile.

“Juggling your work and personal life can feel like an uphill battle, especially for self-employed individuals who wear multiple hats. Throw in the challenges of working in the entertainment sector, with irregular schedules and constant demands, and it becomes even more crucial to find harmony between professional and personal commitments,” says mentalist Larry Soffer. (A mentalist is a performing artist or magician who claims to have such abilities as telepathy, precognition and clairvoyance.)

He advises:

• Have a clear to-do list, with an action plan mapping out how you will complete all your tasks. This will allow you to switch off from work when you spend time with family and friends;
• Make your downtime enjoyable to nurture your relationships and refresh you so you are able to face the stress of work once more;
• Find ways to maintain your energy levels, for example, through daily walks or power naps;
• Be honest about what you can take on. More work usually means more money, but you need to assess whether the financial rewards are worth the physical and mental exhaustion; and
• When you are at work, whether it is in the office or at a work-related social event, always behave professionally.