Lessons from Abroad: Balancing Work and Life

By Juliana Sarmiento

Have you ever noticed how effortlessly relaxed Europeans seem? During my spring semester studying abroad in Barcelona, I discovered their secret: mastering the art of work-life balance.

Let’s be honest, life is unpredictable. Often, to get where you want to be, you have to put more energy into your work life than yourself. Finding a balance that works in your favor is important to avoid burnout.

I am now halfway into my internship. I love having the opportunity to test my skills with challenging work, but I am learning to create balance. Here are some things I’ve implemented in my routine that are helping me achieve a manageable work-life balance.

1. Prioritizing Personal Activities

Living in Spain, I noticed that personal time is a priority. Whether restaurants are closed for afternoon siestas or friends meet up for a sobremesa, life isn’t overshadowed by work.

When I returned to the United States, I wanted to put more energy into things that bring me joy and connect me with my community. My favorite way to recharge is meeting with my friends once a week and trying something new—a new restaurant or a movie in the park.

Find the activity that helps you unwind! Have a date with a book, or cook up a new recipe. Recharging your brain and body improves your focus and energy when you return to work.

2. Designate Work-Free Zones

I was shocked when I first walked into a cafe in Barcelona on a Sunday. Laptop in hand, I was ready to catch up on work. To my surprise, most cafes are laptop-free zones on the weekends! This encourages people to truly take a break during their downtime.

I placed a similar rule in my home. I dedicated my room to a work-free zone – no work-related activities inside! It’s my way of setting boundaries between work and life. When I need a break, my room is associated with relaxation, not productivity.

This could work anywhere! As long as you have somewhere reserved for your peace, you’ll find it easier to maintain a balance.

3. Find Your Routine

In Barcelona, I had to sit in my morning classes with no caffeine in my system. My favorite cafe didn’t open until 9 AM! Everything is shifted over on the clock in Barcelona. The city stays alive past 10 PM, prime dinner time.

In a recent poll, I asked what time of the day one feels most productive. While I wasn’t surprised by the early morning win, I consider myself a night owl. I easily adapted to Barcelona’s timeline and saw how my productivity levels soared. I did my work in the evenings and still had time to socialize afterward.

It’s easy to believe we need to follow the exact routines we see on social media to become successful but don’t be shy to adjust where needed! Find and stick to a routine that works around the work-life balance you want to have. Creating stability and staying attentive to your needs reduces stress and burnout.

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Remember, your internship is an opportunity to grow not just professionally, but personally as well. Develop healthy habits from the beginning and watch how you thrive beyond your internship!

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day at work? Share your tips and experiences below!

Juliana Sarmiento is interning with Elevate to Even+ during the summer of 2024. She is a student at Drew University majoring in Marketing and Psychology. She recently completed a semester abroad in Barcelona.