Abi Owers is the Co-Founder of The Women’s Health Club, here she shares her top tips for ‘trying’ to balance work, live and finding time for some fun.
For years, I thought balance meant doing everything. Nailing my job, keeping the house perfect, showing up for everyone, and still finding time to socialise but it left me exhausted.
Abi Owers
What I’ve learnt is that true balance isn’t about squeezing more in. It’s about choosing wisely, protecting your energy, and giving yourself permission to enjoy life beyond the to-do list.
1. Define Your Own Version of Success
There was a time I thought success meant being available 24/7 for work. Now I know success is finishing a project and making it home in time for dinner with the people I love. Take a moment to decide what matters most to you because balance looks different for everyone.
2. Put Fun in the Diary
If I don’t book it, it doesn’t happen. Whether it’s a morning spin class, a wine with a friend, or even just an evening walk, I treat it like a meeting that can’t be cancelled. It sounds simple, but blocking out playtime stops it being the thing that always gets pushed aside.
3. Master the Art of No
This one took me years to learn. Every time I said “yes” to another work project or social favour, I was actually saying “no” to myself. Now, if something drains me or doesn’t align with what I need to get done, I politely decline. Boundaries really are a form of self-care.
4. Move Your Body (Little & Often)
I used to wait until I had a free hour to exercise and of course, that hour rarely came. I joined the 6am workout club and go when I can. I make sure to stretch between calls, walking while I take phone meetings, or dancing around the kitchen with my husband while we prepare dinner (think disco not ballroom 🤣). Small bursts of movement make a huge difference to my energy.
5. Switch Off to Tune In
Scrolling through emails at 10pm used to be my norm. But giving myself even half an hour each evening without screens has changed everything. I’m calmer, I sleep better, and I actually connect with the people around me instead of half-listening with one eye on my phone. I also find my mornings start a lot better if I can avoid my phone for at least an hour when I wake up. (Thank you to the wonderful Christina from IMATTA for this top tip – it really does work!)
6. Work Smarter, Not Harder
Instead of adding hours, I’ve learnt to add focus. Blocking time for deep work, batching emails, and using this technique – 20 minutes of deep deep focus – 5 minutes of rest. This means I get more done in less time leaving room for life outside of work.
I write down what I am focusing on on a post it note, when my brain starts to wander, I come back to the note to focus
7. Check In With Yourself
Balance isn’t static. Some weeks work takes centre stage; other weeks, family or play do. I try to check in with myself regularly and ask: Am I stretched or stressed? Am I making space for joy? Adjusting on the go keeps things from tipping too far one way.
The truth? Balance isn’t perfect. It’s fluid.
Some days you’ll lean into work, some into family, and some into fun and that’s okay. The magic happens when you give yourself permission to enjoy the ebb and flow, instead of chasing an impossible ideal.
Abi Owers
Co-Founder of The Women’s Health Club
She is also co-founder of the Women’s Health Club Directory, which is a go-to hub for ‘approved’ businesses offering health and wellbeing services across Cheshire and beyond.
