How to Communicate Your Boundaries

Have you ever found yourself drowning in work, with no clear distinction between your professional and personal life? I know I have. In this episode of "Leading with Heart," I dove deep into the importance of setting healthy boundaries—a crucial skill that, in hindsight, I wish I had mastered much earlier in my career. Let me share my story and some practical tips that can help you navigate workplace challenges without sacrificing your personal time and peace of mind.

The Foundation: Understanding Healthy Boundaries

Healthy boundaries have become the cornerstone of my balanced and fulfilling work life. Through my journey, I’ve realized that setting these boundaries helps foster respect and understanding in professional settings. On the flip side, unhealthy boundaries can lead to burnout, resentment, and inefficiency—something I’ve experienced firsthand.

Scheduled Email Checks and Meetings

One of the most significant shifts I made was setting clear communication boundaries. Now, I check and respond to emails only twice a day. This practice prevents constant interruptions and boosts my productivity. I’ve also started preferring scheduled meetings over impromptu ones, which ensures that my time is used efficiently. Allocating specific periods for focused work has made a world of difference in my daily routine.

Using "I Statements"

"I statements" have become my secret weapon in effectively communicating boundaries without sounding accusatory. By framing statements around my feelings and needs, I’ve fostered more understanding and cooperation. For example, saying, "I feel overwhelmed when meetings are called without notice; could we schedule them in advance?" helps set a professional tone and clear expectations.

Protecting Weekends for Family and Personal Activities

Weekends have become my sanctuary from work-related tasks. I now dedicate my weekends to family and personal activities—a practice that rejuvenates me and prepares me for the coming week. Disconnecting from work after 6:00 p.m. has also become a non-negotiable rule for me, ensuring that my evenings are reserved for rest and personal pursuits.

Maintaining Interruption-Free Time

Maintaining uninterrupted time has been crucial for my deep work and focused tasks. Simple actions like closing my office door to indicate I need focus time or blocking specific hours on my calendar have significantly enhanced my productivity. Being clear about these boundaries has helped minimize disruptions in my workday.

Regulating Emotions

Emotional regulation has been key to maintaining my professionalism while setting boundaries. I’ve learned to take a moment to assess my emotional state before addressing boundary issues. This approach helps me avoid reactive responses and promotes a calm and rational dialogue.

Being Clear and Firm

Clarity is kindness. Inspired by Brene Brown’s wisdom, I realized that clear communication of boundaries is far kinder than being vague and ambiguous. Clear statements about what I need and why have helped me set realistic and respectful limitations.

24-Hour Missions and Customer Service Roles

Certain professions, such as 24-hour missions and customer-focused roles, present unique challenges. In these cases, I’ve sought mentorship within the same field to learn strategies for setting healthy boundaries. These mentors have provided me with valuable insights and practical advice tailored to the specific demands of my career.

Applying the Insights

I encourage you to reflect on your personal takeaways from these insights. By doing so, you’ll foster self-awareness and better apply these boundary-setting techniques in your daily routine. 

Remember, boundaries are not just barriers; they are pathways to a more balanced, productive, and satisfying professional life. My story underscores the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries—not only for our well-being but also for our efficiency and effectiveness as professionals.

By setting clear and kind boundaries, we can lead not just with our minds, but also with our hearts.

SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode49

Resources:

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com (https://www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com/)

SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode49