Know when to say when

Ask yourself when...

• to say "enough" or "no thanks"
• is it too much or too little
• is it overwhelming vs. frustrating?
• is it working vs. not working?
• does it need to change vs. stay the same?
• to re-evaluate or ignore?
• is the team OK vs. needing help?
• to say "it is done"
• to say "let it go"

Healthy boundaries are empowering

You'll protect your self-esteem, maintain self-respect and enjoy healthy relationships when you set boundaries.

Boundaries are guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify for themselves what are reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave around them and how they will respond when someone steps outside those limits.

Types of boundaries

• Physical
• Emotional
• Intellectual

Why set boundaries?

• Considering boundaries helps you decide what types of communication, behavior and interactions are acceptable.
• If you're feeling resentful, angry, or you're complaining.
• Communicate your needs in a relationship.
• Helpful to everyone's well-being, yours and others.
• Put people in the right.

Acknowledge any barriers you might be facing

• Fear, guilt, anxiety, lack of knowledge
• Unhealthy boundaries

Tips for boundary-setting conversations

• Communicate clearly and calmly with respect. You don't need many words.
• Do not justify, get angry, apologize or send mixed messages.
• It takes practice and determination.
• You may feel nervous, do it anyway for your good.
• This is a process. Set boundaries in your own time.

Reflection checklist

• Workload
  • What is reasonable to complete in a day?
  • What has to get done first?
  • What can I control?
• Self-care
  • What fulfills me and rejuvenates me mentally, physically and emotionally?
• Connection with colleagues
  • Is my routine and schedule working?
  • Am I communicating what I need?
• Life and family
  • What routine helps me separate work and home?
  • Are my goals and limits realistic?
  • Do I limit work talk? What about work time?
  • Am I communicating what I expect and need?
  • Am I overcommitting?
  • Am I asking for help when I need it?