Balance Your Time by Setting Boundaries: A Guide to Loving Life Without Sacrificing "Me" Time

A Guide to Loving Life Without Sacrificing "Me" Time

As women, (and men too, definitely not being sexist here) we often find ourselves trying to juggle multiple responsibilities at once, including taking care of our families taking care of our homes, managing our careers, and maintaining relationships with friends and loved ones. In the midst of all these obligations, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Our personal time is sacrificed, leading to feelings of exhaustion, burnout, and even resentment. This doesn't have to be the case, though! In this blog post, we're going to talk about setting boundaries so that you can find a balance between all your responsibilities, and still have time to love the life you live. (And not hate everyone around you)

We talked a lot about this month in our weekly love letters. 
We talked about knowing when to speak up, how to do it while still being respectful, finding courage and confidence when speaking up & Strategies for dealing with criticism or pushback from others, and now we're talking about how setting boundaries is an important step in being assertive.
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The first step to setting boundaries is recognizing your limits. It's easy to get caught up in the mindset that we have to do it all, but the truth is, we're only human. Set realistic expectations for how much time and energy you can devote to various tasks. This could mean saying "no" to certain projects at work, or setting aside an hour each day to exercise or practice self-care. This can be a tricky question if you're not careful. For the past 2 years, I convinced myself that 'yeah, I have time for that!' When it was painfully clear to everyone around me, that I did NOT have time for that.

Once you've identified your limits, it's important to communicate them to others. This could mean setting work hours with your boss, or telling your partner that you need alone time to recharge. Don't be afraid to say "no" or ask for help when you need it. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength and self-awareness. Most of us are NOT good at this. But just like every other skill, it takes practice. Start small, make sure you're being respectful in asserting yourself, and make sure you're including empathy in your requests.

When you have a lot of responsibilities on your plate, it's important to prioritize your time. Identify the tasks that are the most important, and focus your time and energy on those. Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you stay on track and feel more in control of your time.

Practice Self-care. Self-care isn't just about getting enough sleep or exercising regularly. It's also about doing things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Make sure you're setting aside time to pursue your hobbies and passions, whether that's reading, writing, painting, or something else entirely. I recently remembered how much I love taking my dog for a walk (yeah, don't judge me) and enjoying coffee on my back porch in the morning. Don't feel guilty about indulging in these activities; they're essential for your mental and emotional well-being.

Be Patient with Yourself. Remember that learning to set boundaries and balance your time takes time and practice. It's okay to make mistakes along the way. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Remember that the goal is to create a life that you love, and that means making time for yourself and the things that are important to you.

Setting boundaries and finding a balance between all your responsibilities can be challenging, but it's essential for your well-being and happiness. By recognizing your limits, communicating your boundaries, prioritizing your time, practicing self-care, and being patient with yourself, you can love the life you live without sacrificing your personal time. Remember that you're worth the effort it takes to create a balanced life and don't be afraid to say "no" or ask for help when you need it. Here's to a life that's full of joy, fulfillment, and plenty of "me" time!

Want more 'no' in your life? 
Remind yourself to just say no with this sterling silver inspiration bracelet.