Having a healthy work-life balance is hard as it is. However, if you’re a people pleaser like I am, it becomes almost impossible. And working from home does not make that any easier. The line between our work and free time has never been as fine as it is today, which means that setting boundaries is the only possible way to make sure you’re free time actually stays free. So if you want to learn how to set boundaries for a healthier work-life balance, then keep on reading.
Why it’s important
As you can probably already guess, setting boundaries is important for many different reasons. But one of the main ones – it helps you prevent burnout. Once we forget about our boundaries and let people step all over them, we’re much more likely to become overwhelmed and stressed. When this happens, both our mental and physical health will suffer. In addition to that, setting boundaries can also help us improve our relationships with other people. Once you communicate your needs, and express your expectations for others, your coworkers may start to show up in the way that you need them to.
How to do it
Setting boundaries is easier said than done, but it’s an essential skill that can be learned with practice. Once again, if you’re a people pleaser, then setting boundaries will be particularly hard for you. But the good news is that the workplace is a great place to start. That’s because you aren’t as close to your coworkers as you probably are to your friends, family, or emotional partners. So let’s go over some key steps for setting boundaries for a healthier work-life balance.
Be as clear as possible
You have to be clear when setting your boundaries. There is no way to work around it. You have to know what you want, and how far people can go. By clearly communicating your needs and expectations, others will know how to interact with you. Once you express your boundaries, be firm with them, and don’t let anyone guilt you into changing them.
Baby steps
Setting boundaries can be daunting, especially if you’re not used to doing it. That’s why it’s important to not make significant changes from one day to the other. You will feel overwhelmed, and like you’re not being authentic. Start small by setting one boundary at a time, and gradually work your way up to set more boundaries.
Learn to say no
Last but not least – it’s time to finally learn how to say no. Saying no can be difficult, but it’s an essential skill for setting boundaries. When you’re asked to take on a task or responsibility that doesn’t align with your priorities or values, know that you are allowed to simply say no. Remember, no is a complete sentence. But due to the fact that you’re in the workplace, you can also add an explanation as to why you believe that this additional task simply isn’t for you.
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