One-third of self-employed individuals report that their work-life balance is off. Recent research even shows that 13% of self-employed people are in the high-risk zone for burnout. This is a trap that not only new entrepreneurs, but also experienced ones should be wary of.
So, how do you manage this? We’ve gathered 5 golden tips from successful entrepreneurs to help you get started:
Read on for their full explanations and practical tips on how to implement these suggestions into your daily life as an entrepreneur.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Work-life balance tips from a CEO couple"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Kelly De Dijcker and her husband, Pieter Balcaen, run the logistics group ECS and have three young children. They experience firsthand how difficult it can be to find a healthy work-life balance. Below, they share their valuable tips.
1. Create a clear boundary between work and personal life
A physical separation between work and home is crucial for a good work-life balance and promotes mental well-being. “We made a conscious choice not to live literally above our business,” says Pieter. “If you do, you’re often available day and night for the company and its employees. I saw this growing up with my parents. They worked six and a half days a week.”
2. Make room for leisure time and enjoy it
Efficiently planning your work and personal life is essential for effective work-life management, but during weekends or free time, it’s also important to let go and enjoy spontaneous moments. Kelly says, “At the office, our schedule is dictated by meetings. One day a week, I work from home, which gives me more flexibility. But creating a workable weekly plan is always a challenge.”
Pieter adds, “At home, everything is managed just as efficiently as in our business. Even the kids’ schedules are strictly organised during the week.” Kelly continues, “But during weekends, we try to live a little less organised. It feels great to occasionally let everything go.”
3. Invest in quality time
Quality over quantity. Invest in quality time with your family or loved ones. Pieter says, “We’d love to spend more time with our children, but for now, that’s not entirely possible. The moment we’re home, all our attention goes to them. Compared to our parents, we see our kids much more. And one rule is sacred: we always make time for the important moments.”
4. Use exercise as an outlet
Regular exercise helps improve your mental health. “Two years ago, we started exercising intensively,” says Kelly. “Functional training on one hand and running five kilometres three times a week on the other. We really enjoy it. Exercise relieves all the tension and gives us a lot of energy to face each day.”
5. Eat healthy
A healthy, varied diet not only makes you physically stronger but also mentally resilient. “Eat healthily and introduce variety in your meals. Fresh vegetables and fruit are packed with vitamins and natural sugars that boost your resilience. They help you fend off colds and other illnesses.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What if you find it hard to maintain work-life boundaries?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"All of this is, of course, easier said than done. In reality, many entrepreneurs see these boundaries gradually blur. The pressure to always be available makes it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Fortunately, there are a few modern tools and techniques that can help:
Discover the ING Starter Package, bundling everything new entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and companies under 18 months old need into one package.
Do you have questions or need more information? Dive into ING’s starter tips to smartly launch your business.
"},"title":"Becoming self-employed without the stress?"},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"text":"Set your business up for success","url":"/en/business/starters/starterspackage-current-account"}}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"40358883-717f-4993-9952-33406c72b2a5","legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"This article is for informative purposes only and the information set out herein may change with time. We therefore recommend that you always reference specific regulations and requirements with the competent authorities for the latest information. Additionally, we advise that you seek professional advice on a case-by-case basis before making any decisions. Please note that ING Belgium SA/NV cannot be held liable for any decision taken on the basis of the information provided.
"},"title":"Disclaimer"}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Starting your business","url":"/en/business/starters"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Creating a healthy work-life balance can be quite a challenge for new entrepreneurs. You’re motivated to work hard because, after all, you’re doing something you love. But how do you maintain a good balance between work and your personal life? In a busy lifestyle, it’s essential to make conscious choices that contribute to your mental well-being.","title":"5 golden tips to improve your work-life balance as an entrepreneur"},"date":"2024-10-10","readingTime":0},"publishDate":"2025-04-04T09:18:00.273+02:00"}}