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Work-life balance is a critical aspect of our daily lives, as it affects not only our mental and physical well-being, but also our overall satisfaction and success in both our personal and professional spheres.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, but it is essential to prioritize it in order to maintain both our mental and physical health.

Definition of work-life balance and its significance
Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between the time and energy we devote to our work and our personal life. It is about finding the right balance between the demands of our job and the needs of our personal life.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential to maintain both mental and physical health as it can help prevent burnout, stress, and depression, among other things.

The impact of poor work-life balance on mental health
When our work and personal life are out of balance, it can take a toll on our mental health.

Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can be the result of an imbalanced work-life. In such a situation, it can be challenging to enjoy our personal life, which can in turn lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness.

Therefore, the key to avoiding this is to prioritize our mental health and take steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The effect of work-life imbalance on physical health
In addition to the negative impact it can have on mental health, poor work-life balance can also have a significant impact on our physical health. Chronic stress and fatigue can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep disturbances.

It’s essential to understand the importance of taking care of both our mental and physical health, and to make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance
There are several strategies that can help us maintain a healthy work-life balance.

For example, we can set clear boundaries between work and personal life, prioritize self-care, and find time for hobbies and other activities that bring us joy. We can also try to be mindful of our workload and not take on more than we can handle.

Finally, it’s important to communicate openly with our employer about our needs and priorities.

The role of employers in promoting work-life balance for employees
It is important to understand what is employee engagement. Employers play a critical role in promoting work-life balance for their employees. For example, they can offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to help employees better balance their work and personal life.

Employers can also provide resources and support to help employees manage stress and avoid burnout. Additionally, they can encourage employees to take breaks and prioritize self-care.

The benefits of a balanced work and personal life for both employees and employers
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has numerous benefits for both employees and employers. For employees, it can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved mental and physical health.

Likewise, for employers, it can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a more engaged and motivated workforce.

The relationship between stress, burnout, and work-life imbalance
Stress and burnout are two of the most common negative effects of work-life imbalance. Chronic stress can lead to burnout, which is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion.

To prevent this, it’s important to manage our stress levels and take steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Besides, this can include practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and communicating openly with our employer about our needs.

The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This can include setting a specific time to disconnect from work-related tasks, as well as making time for self-care and personal pursuits.

Self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies can help reduce stress and improve our mental and physical well-being.

The impact of technology and remote work on work-life balance
The rise of technology and remote work has had a significant impact on work-life balance. On one hand, technology and remote work can provide greater flexibility and allow us to better balance our work and personal life.

On the other hand, it can be challenging to disconnect from work and maintain a healthy balance, as we are always connected and accessible. It’s important to be mindful of this and make an effort to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.

Best practices for achieving and maintaining work-life balance in the long-term
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance requires effort and dedication, but it is achievable. Some of the best practices for achieving and maintaining work-life balance (some of which had been earlier mentioned) include setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, being mindful of our workload, and communicating openly with our employer.

Additionally, it’s essential to understand the importance of work-life balance and to make it a priority in our daily lives.

Final thoughts
Remember to prioritize self-care, set clear boundaries, and communicate openly with our employer about our needs. With effort and dedication, we can achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance in the long-term. Remember, health is wealth and only a healthy man that can be productive. Be circumspect always.

*Ajibulu is the publisher of Veracity Desk Media, a social media influencer, infopreneur and communication consultant. Email: veracitydesk@gmail.com

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FBI to probe Michigan attack as
An unidentified assailant was killed on Thursday, March 12, after ramming his pickup truck into a synagogue on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, causing a blaze and triggering a huge police response.

Security guards opened fire on the attacker after he smashed through the doors of the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters.

The attack comes amid heightened security across the United States following the launch nearly two weeks ago of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

An FBI official said Thursday it will investigate an attack on a synagogue near Detroit, Michigan, as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.”

Special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office Jennifer Runyan told reporters “we are leading the investigation as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.”

President Donald Trump called the attack “terrible” and said it was “absolutely incredible that things like that happen.”

“Act of terrorism”

The synagogue attack came on the same day as a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, which FBI Director Kash Patel said was being investigated as “an act of terrorism.”

Patel, in a post on X, said the university attack left one person dead and two others wounded. “The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him,” he said.

At a subsequent press conference, the suspected attacker was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the National Guard who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State.

Jalloh was sentenced to prison in 2017 and was released in 2024.

Bouchard said the Michigan assailant rammed the Temple Israel building with his vehicle and then drove down a hallway, where he was engaged by security guards.

“We can’t say what killed him at this point, but security did engage the suspect with gunfire,” the sheriff said. He added that the assailant appeared to be alone in the vehicle and that police dogs were checking the car for explosives.

“It’s been complicated because there’s some fire,” he said. “We’re through an abundance of caution, clearing the vehicle for IEDs or any explosives.”

Smoke could be seen billowing from Temple Israel, one of the largest Reform Judaism congregations in the country, after the attack and fire engines were on the scene.

Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel raced to the area in large numbers soon after the incident.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned what she called the “heartbreaking” attack. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” she said.

“Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been briefed about the situation.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was “shocked” by the attack. “We are in contact with the Jewish community and local authorities,” Saar said on X. “Antisemitism must never be allowed to rear its ugly head.”

Bouchard said Oakland County law enforcement had been on high alert since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran nearly two weeks ago. “We’ve been talking for two weeks about the potential, sadly, of this happening,” Bouchard said. “So there was no lack of preparation.” “All Jewish facilities in the area are going to have a lot of extra presence around it until we figure this out,” he added.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, alongside the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has urged senior public servants across Africa to embrace actionable reforms and strengthen governance in their institutions. The call came during the graduation of Cohort 5 of the AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP), held in Abuja on Thursday, where 69 senior officials from seven African countries were celebrated.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasised that Africa’s greatest asset is its people and that public service leadership must focus on long-term impact rather than short-term gains. “If we understand the true meaning of service, Africa will have a different story to tell. Leadership in public service must ensure decisions benefit future generations,” he said. He added that addressing inefficiencies within public institutions is key to tackling challenges such as underdevelopment, insecurity, and economic difficulties.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, highlighted the strategic importance of cultivating reform-minded leaders. “Africa’s future depends on the quality of leadership within its public institutions. Transforming these institutions demands leaders who deeply understand systems, embrace necessary trade-offs, and drive reform from within,” he said.

The six-month AIG PLP, run in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, equips public servants with strategic leadership skills, policy expertise, and practical tools to deliver measurable improvements in governance and service delivery. The programme combines virtual learning with a residential module, recently held in Lagos, and culminates in participant-led reform projects addressing real institutional challenges.

With Cohort 5, the AIG PLP alumni network now includes over 300 senior officials from seven African countries, many of whom have launched initiatives to strengthen accountability, improve regulatory frameworks, and enhance citizen-focused services.

Applications for Cohort 6 of the programme are open to eligible public servants from English-speaking African countries, with the deadline set for April 12, 2026. Interested candidates can apply via aigimoukhuedefoundation.org⁠�.