How Setting Limits Can Help You Avoid Overwhelm and Reclaim Your Well-Being
Written by Talisa Haskins
Burnout often stems from overextending ourselves—saying “yes” when we mean “no,” overcommitting, and neglecting our own needs. Boundaries are essential in preventing burnout because they help protect our time, energy, and well-being. Here are a few key tips on setting boundaries and how they can make a difference.
Recognize Where You Need Boundaries Take a moment to reflect on the areas in your life where you feel drained.
When you come home from work, are you depleted?
When you go out for a night with friends, do you feel energized?
When you check in with your family, do you leave that interaction feeling resentful and annoyed?
Where in your life are you saying yes, when you should likely be saying no?
Identifying these areas helps you understand where you need to set limits to protect your energy.
Lean into the Guilt Now that you’ve recognized where boundaries need to be set, it’s important to prepare for the guilt.
When you say yes to someone (when you should have said no), you likely feel frustrated, resentful, or even angry.
When you think about saying NO to that same person, you likely get overwhelmed with guilt.
Guilt = Good! Guilt means you are choosing yourself. No, it’s not a desirable feeling, but it’s a sign that you are prioritizing your well-being. Lean into that.
Prepare to Communicate Your Boundary Clearly and Kindly Boundaries need to be clear, concise, and consistent.
Clearly state your boundary.
Keep it concise. Make sure your response is short and sweet—avoid over-explaining.
Be consistent. This is especially important if the person making the request tends to persist or involve others in asking. Repeat the same message each time.
Love Yourself Setting boundaries is hard, and it’s NOT going to be perfect when you try for the first time.
Give yourself some grace—you’re trying, and that is what counts! 💛
Trust Your Intuition Your gut feelings can reveal a lot. If something feels “off” or you have recurring doubts, take time to explore these emotions. Understanding their origins can offer clarity and guide your next steps.
Need support in setting and maintaining boundaries? Our therapists at The Journey Counselling and Psychotherapy can help. Book a session today and take the first step toward protecting your energy.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our therapists and find your perfect match today!
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