5 Practical Ways to Create Healthy Boundaries for Yourself- This Week (no. 2 is a serious game-changer)
Are you finding yourself so emotionally drained? Overwhelmed by the to-do list before you even get started? Always saying ‘yes’ and taking on new tasks…even though you really don’t have the capacity.
It’s okay, friend. You can say no. You can set some boundaries. And you can create some healing space for yourself- THAT is how you practice true self-care.
Establishing clear boundaries with myself, friends, family, and the work environment has been my secret key to crushing life lately.
Here are the five ways you can create healthy boundaries THIS WEEK:
Find your energy leak.
An energy leak is an incomplete task or thought that leaves you feeling drained. One of the most frequent energy leaks these days is having a plate that is simply too full- our overwhelming amount of to-dos can be a burden before we even start. We do waaay too much, my friend! So, what is it that's driving you mad all the time? The 10 calls a day from your family? The 24/7 communication with your boss? Your packed inbox? Pinpoint exactly what is causing you to feel like you're 'on the clock' all the time...and write it down. Seriously. Or, better yet, email me and let me know! I’ll give you some customized tips if you’d like. But promise me, just address ONE of these energy leaks this week. Focused attention yields results.
Turn on your phone's 'do not disturb’ feature.
Turn this feature on from 6p-8a (or whatever time makes the most sense for you) every single day. Set times when you ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT tend to your tasks. You need to rejuvenate, babe. And that mind needs a rest. Disconnecting from your obligations and the constant need to respond to others is a serious game-changer.
Leave those notifications (texts, calls, emails, etc.) unread.
Ask yourself, 'is answering this message going to deplete me or fulfill me?’ I know that red notification dot can just go up your ass sideways. But it's OKAY to ignore it. It will still be there tomorrow when you're 'clocked in.' The biggest lesson in setting boundaries is that It. Takes. Work. YOU have to respect your own boundaries. I initially assumed that once I communicated my limits to others, they would just abide. But they often need to be reminded. It's unnerving but, I mean, they're human too.
Do one thing for yourself EVERY DAY.
Okay, so you've blocked off time to 'work' and to 'not work.' But what the heck do you do when you're not working?! Choose one thing for the week that you will do EVERY DAY for yourself. Seriously. Start as small + simple as you need. (To give you some insight, my practice for the week is to read for a minimum of 10 minutes each night...that's it!)
Remember the golden rule.
Treat others the way you are wanting to be treated. If you have established that you won't be discussing work after 5p, make sure you are not expecting others to discuss work after 5p. Sure, slip-ups happen but to respect our limits we must also respect the limits of others.
The next time you’re feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or buried in work, remember these 5 ways to create boundaries. They will support you along this healing journey. Sometimes self-care requires deep work but I promise, it will be worth it.
In love + gratitude,
Amy A. Thornton, Founder