Nowadays, we're always connected, making finding some quality "me-time" challenging.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and burnt out is easy because we're constantly available. However, it's important to realise that we don't always have to be available. We don't always have to say yes to every request to hang out, we don't always have to reply to every text or email immediately.Â
The idea that we're a good person only if we're always available is not worth the toll it takes on our health. It's a con!
I used to think that responding quickly to every call made me a good person. But after ages, I realised that setting boundaries is actually really good for me. I realised that, in many ways, I was enabling some people to lean on me, and in doing that, a part of keeping them stuck, dependent, and unable to learn that they can do hard things.
Since I lost my mum, I've fallen back into some bad habits. I feel sorry for people who are struggling but sometimes I wonder if I'm neglecting myself. Am I there for me? And am I really helping someone if I'm on tap?
The Boundary Dilemma: Balancing Act in a Connected World
With our phones glued to our hands, the world looks down, so it's no wonder that burnout and stress have become the norm, that doctors are prescribing meds for anxiety and depression like they are the answer to all of our problems.
Could our GP's ask questions about our habits, networks, and digital media and mobile device use? The answers to a lot of anxiety and depression might be found in our unassuming, taxing, toxic habits that we follow like zombies, asleep, unconscious, and unaware of the negative feedback loops we spin.
So, let's make some self-respecting, more awakened boundaries; let's sidestep the bullshit belief that being open seven days a week is progress.
What if boundaries are not barriers but bridges to a healthier, more balanced life?Â
Setting clear boundaries creates space for self-care, personal growth, and meaningful connections. What if we reclaim our autonomy and prioritise our well-being in a world that never seems to stop?
The Power of Saying "No"
Saying "no" is a revolutionary act of self-love. It's about honouring your own needs and priorities, even when it feels uncomfortable or unpopular. When we say "no" to things that drain our energy or detract from our well-being, we make room for the things that truly matter.
Setting Boundaries in Relationships
Boundaries are essential in all relationships, whether professional or personal. They define the parameters of acceptable behaviour and ensure that our needs are respected and honoured. Communicating our boundaries clearly and assertively fosters healthier, more authentic connections with others.
Navigating Digital Boundaries
In today's digital age, establishing boundaries around technology is more important than ever. We must learn to disconnect in order to reconnect—with ourselves and with those we love. By setting limits on screen time, establishing tech-free zones, and practising digital detoxes, we can regain control over our relationship with technology and prioritise our mental health.
Returning to the foundations of self-care.
Remember that taking care of yourself is not a selfish act; it is a revolutionary one. In a society that celebrates the culture of constant work and productivity, prioritising self-care is the solution. It's about understanding our own value and placing our well-being above everything else. Self-care is essential, whether it involves taking a long shower, seeking help, or simply resting. It doesn't have to be an expensive retreat, another health course, or a plethora of supplements, skincare, or new shoes. Instead, it can be the fundamental elements of self-care, such as tidying and decluttering your living space, the people you surround yourself with, and how much time you allocate for rest, play, and fun.
Embrace Your Boundaries, Embrace Your Power
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, boundaries are our guiding light. They empower us to take control of our lives, prioritise our well-being, and cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections with others. By embracing boundaries, we reclaim our power and chart a course towards a life filled with balance, fulfilment, and authenticity.
So, dare to set boundaries that honour your needs and priorities. Say "no" when it serves your well-being. Disconnect to reconnect with yourself and those you love. Embrace self-care as a radical act of resistance. In doing so, you'll discover the transformative power of boundaries—the key to unlocking a life of true freedom and fulfilment.
Disconnect to reconnect with yourselfÂ
Return to simple boundaries:
Less clutter in your home, mind, body, and soul.
Less stuff, less time online, way less.
More rest, play, walking the dog, playing with the kids, even if they are grown up.
Someday, everything will just change out of the blue. You'll realise that the most important thing is to have a life with love, peace, fun, and space, and this requires setting some basic boundaries.
After the marriage separation, I started making significant changes in 2019; it was the wake-up I needed to begin the big declutter. So when the shit hit the fan with Mum, even though I had only just returned from a month overseas, I headed back, no question, no hesitation, I was clear, and I had set myself up for freedom.
I'm here to help you clear out all that mental clutter and create beautiful boundaries so you can focus on the good stuff and let go of the BS. Don't wait until life throws you a curveball; let's work together to create a new roadmap towards a more positive state of mind.
#healinganxiety #howtodealwithneedypeople#lifecoachnelson