One of our top tips to manage constant feelings of overwhelm was to set better boundaries. We do have a full series of articles on setting better boundaries but in this blog post we’ll provide some “cliff notes” on how to start this practice.
Setting boundaries can be an important part of taking care of yourself. It’s about creating limits that help you feel secure, respected, and valued. Basically, it’s about setting that line in the sand that helps you feel in control and comfortable.
Speaking up about the things that make you uncomfortable is key. It’s all about knowing how and when to say ‘no’ to people and situations that might cause you to feel overwhelmed. Establishing boundaries is a great way to protect yourself, and they can be adjusted as needed. You don’t have to say “no” to everyone but if you keep saying “yes” all the time there’ll be nothing left for you!
Better Boundaries Help You Stop Feeling Overwhelmed
If you haven’t set boundaries before, you might feel like you don’t have the capacity to do so. But once you grasp the power of boundaries in preventing overwhelm, you’ll be eager to give it a go. Here are some simple ways to try it out:
Prioritise your needs and set goals
Prioritising your time is essential to safeguard it from the demands of others. Making rest a priority is a great way to ensure you can manage everything on your plate. Take some time to relax and recharge and you’ll have more capacity for helping others.
Be assertive
Do you have trouble setting limits? It can be hard to stand your ground when you don’t feel confident. But by setting boundaries and sticking to them, you’ll gain a sense of empowerment and self-assurance.
Say ‘no’ with no further explanation
Feeling guilty can make it tough to turn someone down. But saying yes to everyone and no to yourself will start to damage your health. You don’t have to give an excuse but if you feel worse for not doing so then let the other person know who else you’ll be letting down by giving them your time.
Turn the phone off
Constant connectivity increases stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Taking a break from our phones helps us to unplug from the constant interruptions that can make us feel like we’re falling behind compared to everyone else. If your job requires you to be on the phone, then it’s even more important to have time to switch off when you’re at home.
Handle demands from your coworkers
If you’ve got a colleague who keeps asking for one thing after another, it’s time to set some boundaries. Doing so will help you reclaim your time and boost your happiness. Let your team know where you draw the line – it’ll make everyone’s lives easier.
Be self-compassionate
Feeling overwhelmed can be tough, and it can lead to neglecting yourself. But it’s important to remember that it’s okay to be kind to yourself and set boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed by others’ expectations.
Creating boundaries is a great way to prioritise your wellbeing and keep your stress levels in check. You don’t have to do all of the above straight away. Pick one that you think you can manage and give it a try for a week. You can add others as needed as you gain confidence and see the results.
Setting better boundaries is a great way to manage overwhelm and take control of your life. It can be difficult to make the changes needed to set boundaries, but the rewards are worth it. With better boundaries in place, you can create more balance in your life, reduce stress, and enjoy more peace of mind. So take a few moments to think about what boundaries you need to set and start taking steps to make them happen.