And Zeigler shifted some of her workload by approaching HR when a hiring opportunity arose. "I was able to work with another department head to restructure an open position so we could share a person," she says.

Delegate at home, too. Ribic relies on her son's grandparents for help when she travels to powerlifting competitions, but she also has her son pitch in. "Finding a realistic balance on what I should take on myself and what sorts of tasks he can handle has helped tremendously in taking the stress off of trying to be Super Mom," she says. For example, her son makes his own breakfast and lunch, takes out the trash and empties the dishwasher.

Set an example. "I think I've demonstrated both in actions and verbally to my employees that it's OK to go to the dentist today," says Longanacre. He says he has learned over the years that productivity is more important than number of hours logged, so while he makes sure someone in his IT department is always available, he doesn't tie people to their desks. "I try to get them out of here, because in my younger days, especially in the Army and as a defense contractor, my job came first and my personal life was whatever was left over," he says.

As a bonus, bosses who show that the demands of work and home can coexist create an attractive workplace for current and prospective staffers. "The trend continues to move in the direction [where] the best employers are those who create the freedom for their employees to organize their lives with flexibility and choice," says management psychologist Astorino.

Achieving work-life balance requires long days and a great deal of self-discipline. But those who make the effort reap the rewards: They lead full, content and satisfying lives.

As you follow these guidelines, be careful not to turn your quest for a harmonious existence into yet another source of stress, warns Stern. "I'd rather think of it as a process," he says. "It's better some days than others, but hopefully over time it improves."

Sara Shay is a freelance writer based outside of Philadelphia, Pa.