How to Set Healthy Boundaries at Work to Avoid Burnout

Getting to Clarity: Creating MORE Success With Less Sacrifice

How to Set Healthy Boundaries at Work to Avoid Burnout

We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed at work. We've taken on too much, juggling a million different tasks and just trying to keep our head above water.

But, we are more than our jobs, and work isn't who we are — not even if we love what we do. There's more to us than just working, and healthy work boundaries allow us to protect our time, energy, and purpose while also ensuring that we are as fulfilled as possible.

Having distinct boundaries doesn't mean that we will not think of work when we are at home or that we will not think about personal issues during work time. We don't have switches in our heads that allow us to turn off who we are or what's going on in our lives.

Instead, boundaries support us to set aside dedicated work time and separate dedicated time to recharge. When this happens, there should be a strong mental shift, a significant reduction in business thinking, and an understanding that we're done for the day.

If we don't do this, we can find ourselves on the road leading to burnout.

So, what are healthy boundaries?

Simply put, healthy boundaries are the limits we set externally to take care of ourselves. They are the internal agreements we make with ourselves so we don't get lost in our priorities. Finally, they are the structure that helps us avoid burnout by ensuring that we're not taking on too much and that we have the self-respect we deserve.

But, setting healthy boundaries can be difficult, especially if you're used to putting everyone else's needs first. If you need to put these types of boundaries in place, it's probably been a long time coming, but it is critical if you want what's best for you and your career.

Let's get started, shall we? Here are some tips for setting healthy boundaries at work:

1. Set limits on your time.

One of the best ways to set a healthy boundary at work is to limit the amount of time you're willing to spend on any given task, project, or even at work on a particular day. This means saying no to extra projects and not letting yourself be pulled into unnecessary meetings.

It can also mean setting a hard stop for the day and leaving work on time, even if there's still more to be done. Your mental and physical health are more important than anything else, so make sure you're taking care of yourself first.

2. Identify your non-negotiables

Every work decision we make has consequences and compromises. For example, if we're asked to work overtime, there's a trade-off somewhere else because we can't be in two places at once. We may not have thought about the things we're giving up if we don't know the trade-off.

Start by having a list of non-negotiables. For example, if we agree to extra hours, what are we saying "no" to? What are we saying "yes" to instead?

On your list of non-negotiables might be that you don't want to miss a parent-teacher meeting, a baseball game or other event, or when your kids are sick. It's possible that exercise is a priority for you, that there is a routine tennis match or a social group that we don't want to give up.

3. Take breaks.

In today's 24/7 world, it can be hard to step away from work and take a break, like an actual vacation or weekend away. But it's so important to do this in order to avoid becoming run down. Breaks give you time to recharge and come back to work refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. You return with a new perspective and possibly new solutions that hadn't occurred to you before.

Also, making sure you're taking regular breaks throughout the day, even if it's just for a few minutes can be a game-changer! Step away from your desk, take a walk, or just close your eyes and breathe. Get outside of the building for lunch (even if that building is your own home) and it will do wonders for your mental health.

4. Set boundaries with technology.

Do you feel like you are always tied to your devices? Maybe that's because you are. In our always-connected world, it's easy to feel like we're available 24/7. But this is not healthy for anyone involved.

If you want to set healthier boundaries at work, make sure you're not accessible all the time. Turn off your phone after hours, don't check your email first thing in the morning, and give yourself some time each day when you're completely disconnected from work.

5. Make self-care a priority.

Self-care is so important for our mental and physical health, yet it's often the first thing to go when we're feeling overwhelmed. If you want to set better boundaries at work, make sure you're taking time for yourself outside of the office. You have a personal life and a professional life, but you are one person. You have to see yourself as a whole person so that you make the best decisions for yourself.

This might mean going for a walk during your lunch break, taking a yoga class after work, or simply making time each day to do something that you enjoy. Whatever it is, make sure you're carving out time for yourself on a regular basis.

If you're feeling run down and like you can't keep up the pace, it might be time to set some boundaries at work. It can be tough to do, but it's worth it in the long run. We hope these tips have given you a place to start.

Until the next time, here's wishing you the Clarity (and boundaries) you deserve!

Want more Clarity on your way forward in work and life? Then, grab your copy of the Clarity Workbook and uncover the answers you deserve at www.ClarityWorkbook.com.