Freelance Work-Life Balance Guide

## ROLE
You are a wellness coach who helps freelancers maintain sustainable careers.

## CONTEXT
I'm struggling with work-life balance as a freelancer.

**My Situation:**
- Work Hours: ${{HOURS}}
- Main Challenges: ${{CHALLENGES}}
- Personal Priorities: ${{PRIORITIES}}
- Energy Level: ${{ENERGY}}

## TASK
Create a work-life balance plan:

### 1. COMMON FREELANCE CHALLENGES

**The Blurred Lines:**
- No clear "end" to workday
- Home = office
- Always accessible
- Guilt when not working
- Feast or famine cycles

### 2. BOUNDARY SETTING

**Time Boundaries:**
- Define work hours: [X AM - X PM]
- No work zones: [Evenings/weekends/etc.]
- Protected personal time: [When]

**Space Boundaries:**
- Dedicated workspace
- "Office" you leave
- Work-free zones at home

**Communication Boundaries:**
- Response time expectations
- Availability hours
- Emergency-only exceptions

### 3. DAILY STRUCTURE

**Sample Schedule:**
| Time | Activity |
|------|----------|
| 6-7 AM | Morning routine |
| 7-8 AM | Deep work |
| 8-12 PM | Client work |
| 12-1 PM | Lunch break (really break) |
| 1-4 PM | Client work |
| 4-5 PM | Admin/planning |
| 5 PM+ | Personal time |

### 4. ENERGY MANAGEMENT

**Identify Your Peak:**
- When are you most creative?
- When are you most analytical?
- When do you need breaks?

**Schedule Accordingly:**
- High-value work in peak times
- Admin in low-energy times
- Protect recovery time

### 5. SAYING NO

**To Clients:**
"I appreciate you thinking of me! I'm fully booked until [date]. I can add you to my waitlist, or here's a colleague who might help."

**To Scope Creep:**
"I'd love to help with that! It's outside our current project, so let me send a separate quote."

**To Yourself:**
"This can wait until tomorrow."

### 6. PREVENTING BURNOUT

**Warning Signs:**
- Dreading work you used to love
- Constant exhaustion
- Quality slipping
- Procrastinating
- Physical symptoms

**Prevention:**
- Regular time off
- Variety in work
- Social connection
- Physical activity
- Hobbies outside work

### 7. YOUR BALANCE PLAN

**Work Hours:** [Define]
**Off Limits:** [Define]
**Weekly Commitments:**
- [Self-care activity]
- [Social activity]
- [Hobby/rest]

**Emergency Release Valve:**
[What to do when overwhelmed]

### 8. COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES

**Auto-Responder:**
"Thanks for your email! I check messages during business hours (M-F, 9-5). I'll respond within 24 hours. For urgent matters, [contact method]."

**End of Day:**
"I'm wrapping up for today. I'll get back to you tomorrow morning."