In a society dedicated to career development, finding enjoyment both in and outside the office can be tricky. Work-life balance is the key to enjoying work and life. When work overwhelms us, our personal lives struggle, and vice versa. Taking care of yourself builds a fully rounded lifestyle while adding to the energy and passion necessary for loving the work you do each day. Here are 10 tips for work-life balance.

1. Build hard deadlines for the start and end of your day

Whether you freelance or work with strict punch-in/punch-out hours, the brain can remain at work unintentionally. Setting guidelines, both for yourself and your management whenever possible, allow these two worlds from impeding on one another.

In the morning, choose a ritual to mark the start of the day. At the end of the day, do the same. Whatever it is, keep it consistent. This will signal the brain to switch gears from work to home.

2. Communicate honestly with your boss

Each person and position require a unique work-life balance. During the interview process, be honest with yourself and your boss. Be clear from the get-go what type of balance is right for you, and keep communication open throughout your time working together.

3. Take time for yourself to find quiet

Even in the busiest of jobs, it’s crucial to find some quiet. Even several minutes of space can clear the mind and re-settle the breath. Tuck into the bathroom or take a break outside. The world of an office or workplace can feel small and daunting, but finding this separation reminds us that there is a balance present at all times.

4. Choose a non-paying hobby

It’s in our nature to monetize our skills. But it is also beneficial to the mind to find passions that have no financial expectation. Creative or physical activities will feed the work-related brain naturally as time goes on.

5. Seek financial stability

Many, if not all people strive for financial stability. Finding this balance takes more than having a stable income. Seek out resources that positively support and educate you on ways to budget, spend wisely and save for future goals.

6. Create honest connections with those at work

Though we may naturally connect more deeply with those outside of work, connecting with compassion and care is rewarding for yourself and those around you. While remaining professional, always communicate work needs with kindness and patience. These little moments create a whole new culture around you that does not go unnoticed.

7. Nurture relationships outside of work

On the other side of things, creating work-life balance also involves setting aside quality time with our loved ones at home and in our circle of friends. When we turn off the work day and find separation, we are more open to both our own and our loved one’s personal needs. We remain more present in the moment if we allow work to wait until the next day.

8. Create a balanced workspace

The images and words that we take in at each moment in the day strongly affect our overall wellbeing. Place small objects or pictures that spark joy throughout your workspace as reminders of individual passions and goals.

9. Build a long-term plan

The opportunity for upward mobility is very important in all careers. Without judgment or reservations, map out a dream plan for the next several decades, with a willingness to change and remain flexible as life ebbs and flows.

10. Continue to grow and change—both inside and out

Even if we’ve mastered our job skills and feel satisfied with our level of work, lifelong learning sparks passion and growth. The more we explore new information, the more doors and ideas cross our path.