"And all around your island, there's a barricade. It keeps out the danger. It holds in the pain." Tom Petty
Working as a therapist and a professor, I have accumulated years of experience and stories of people experiencing burnout, fatigue, and resentment in their personal, family, and professional lives.
During this time, I have provided therapy and guidance to help alleviate these feelings. I have also provided lectures on ways to better cope with daily stressors; all of which have contributed to ongoing feelings of depression and anxiety. In fact, I have invested so many hours into this topic that I have narrowed it down to one common theme.
Want to know the secret to preserve your self-care?
BOUNDARIES
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a boundary is something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent. In therapy, the American Psychological Association (APA) defines boundaries as psychological demarcation that protects the integrity of an individual or group or that helps the person or group set realistic limits on participation in a relationship or activity.
Intersect the two and you have a LIMIT that PROTECTS person/group and creates space for healthy relationships.
Personal boundaries are essential to self-care. Boundaries are necessary to our lives. It is within boundaries where we operate, understand, and place control in our life. In our relationships, we learn and become aware of others and how to respect their boundaries. Many people are experts are understanding others' boundaries, but lack the ability to place boundaries for themselves in their work, personal, and family life.
Benefits of Boundaries
Boundaries give us protected space and freedom. This space gives us time to evaluate or reevaluate beliefs, values, and feelings. It is an opportunity to think about what is or isn't working for us in all areas of our life. We can figure out our feelings without having them interfere in relationships. Boundaries help us break negative patterns that we may have been reinforcing along stages of our life. Give yourself time to think about and reflect on how you can clearly articulate your needs. Freedom arrives when we make the conscious choice to enact our boundaries in all areas of our life.
Here is what setting boundaries look and sound like:
Personal Life
Here’s how it works:
Don't be afraid to say no
Create personal time in your schedule
Realize different relationships require different boundaries
Let go of self-judgment
Work-Life:
Here’s how it works:
Prioritize your schedule
Limit time with coworkers as needed
Communicate clearly and effectively
Take time off
Family Life:
Here’s how it works:
Set realistic expectations of your relationships with family members
Put your needs first
Avoid family drama
It's ok to say no to activities that you know are not healthy for you
Your self-care and emotions are first priority. Without having a solid handle on your needs, you lose control of your protected space. Reinforce your boundaries as you need and give yourself the gift of personal peace and freedom.
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