How to Set Work/Life Boundaries
Imagine a pendulum scale on one side of the scale is our “work” self and on the other is our “life” self. Both are crucial parts of who we are. Work is an expression of our skill set, passion, purpose, creativity, and achievement. Our life is who we are at rest and play, where we can explore, unwind, develop, and reflect. Both sides of the pendulum are important and each reflects and impacts the other. As such, balance is crucial if we are going to experience satisfaction and fulfillment in who we are.
Setting boundaries in these areas should be fluid, different seasons of life likely will have different demands in each area. Taking a periodic assessment of your needs, values, and convictions will be a good practice. Anger or frustration is usually the best indicator of a boundary that needs attention. When you recognize that your anger is related to a boundary issue in this area, begin an assessment of your needs, values, or convictions. Ask yourself if there is an area that does not line up. This will help you find the area you need to focus in to create balance.
While some boundaries can vary from person to person, here are some thoughts on areas that would be good to consider for good mental health in the realm of work/life balance. These thoughts may be ones you decide to make a value or conviction in your periodic assessment.
Decrease the tension and make realistic expectations. Some places or times may be best purposed for one or the other and the expectation to accomplish a task might not be realistic, kind of like putting a square peg in a round hole. For instance, trying to finish up work emails at the kitchen table right after the kids get home from school, square peg/round hole. Or, trying to find resolution in the conflict you had with your spouse the night before through text message right before a meeting, square peg/round hole. In instances like this you are only partially available to both parts of your life and accomplishing very little.
Define for yourself when your brain needs to be in “work” mode and when it is time for “life” mode. When it is time for “life” limit yourself to “work” demands, such as email, phone calls, or work apps. Remind your self that just because you get an email in the evening or on the weekend (or whenever you do life) does not mean you have to respond to it. Some smart phones have ways to silence work apps or hide notifications on a specific schedule.
Be present. Whether it be at home or at work, but maybe more so at home, be present in what is happening in the “right now.” Put your phone down at the dinner table and be present with the important people in your life. Make sure you finding time to rest and play, by play I mean participating in enjoyable activities. It is through rest and play that we are able to perform our best at work. Our brains become less rigid and prone to anxiety, allowing us to be more creative and confident.
All these tips can be adapted whether you work in an office or at home, are a homemaker, or work with your hands. If you notice that you struggle with work/life balance or boundaries there may be something you need to process that is keeping you from fulfillment in this area and we would love to work with you and help you thrive in this area.
