As the year winds down and the festive season wraps us in its glow, the pace of work softens. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead. For me, 2026 is about embracing a deeper, more meaningful version of work-life balance—one that doesn’t mean working less, but living more.
Work-life balance isn’t about “quiet quitting” or shutting off completely. That approach often creates more stress than it solves. Instead, it’s about treasuring the time away from work, restoring yourself, and savoring the moments that make life rich and joyful. It’s about being fully present—whether you’re tackling a big project or laughing over coffee with someone you love.
For me, that looks like:
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- Playing the cello and feeling the music resonate in a room filled with fellow players and patrons.
- Shopping with my mom, giggling and being silly like we used to.
- Seeing Wicked with the kids, sharing the magic of theater together.
- Snuggling the dogs by the fireplace, a bowl of homemade chili in hand.
- Baking a cake for someone special, their favorite flavor, just because.
- Escaping for a weekend, finding inspiration in new places and giving myself permission to sleep in.
- Taking a long lunch, without watching the clock or waiting in pain for the check because time is ticking.
- Writing something that speaks to me, like this blog.
Emily Lane with her dog Poe
These moments aren’t distractions—they’re fuel. Inspiration feeds the soul and sparks the ideas that shape the future. Welcome it from your team. Welcome it from yourself.
Maybe “work-life balance” needs a new name. It’s not about dividing time into neat halves. It’s about fully enjoying life—at work and at home. It’s about caring for yourself so you can show up with energy, creativity, and joy.
As we step into 2026, let’s make space for what matters most. Let’s work hard when it’s time to dig in, and let’s relish the moments that restore us. In the end, balance isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation for a life well-lived.
What does this look like for you?
About Emily Lane: As Chief Strategy Officer at Stars Design Group, Emily develops and implements strategic initiatives to increase awareness, support collaborative opportunities, cultivate innovation, and promote thought leadership in the organization. A serial entrepreneur with 25 years in business development, Emily’s strategic approach helps to foster a culture of innovation, while implementing thoughtful marketing strategies that have a history of propelling businesses to viability, increased profitability, global awareness, and market leadership.
At Stars Design Group, Emily is the creator of the podcast series Clothing Coulture which provides expertise on the global dynamics that shape trends in the fashion industry. Recently, she also launched United Coulture, a Fashion Design Community that brings established, talented designers and industry creatives together to collaborate on projects and collections, to elevate the aesthetic and quality of client programs. Emily is also the Co-Founder of Femme Ascend – A female empowerment group designed to lift, inspire, and support one another. Additionally, Emily is a cellist and artist advocate.