Setting boundaries for yourself is an important part of building resilience. It helps you take control of your life and makes it easier to manage stress, take ownership of your mental and physical health, and maintain healthy relationships. And as the new year is edging nearer, now is the perfect opportunity to start being accountable for who you are and what you value in this beautiful life.
Why The Holiday Season is the Right Time for Self Care
The holiday season, particularly between Christmas and New Year, can be a time of great joy and celebration of Jesus’ birth. It's a time to connect with loved ones, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the year ahead. For many people, it's also a time to focus on self-improvement and setting intentions for the new year.
However, this time of year can also be a stressful and overwhelming time, with pressure to overspend, attend multiple events, and meet others' expectations. This can make it difficult to prioritize self-care and focus on your own rhythms and needs.
That's why it's important to set boundaries for yourself during the holiday season and make sure you're showing up to be and become the best version of yourself. This can involve setting limits on your time and energy, practicing self-care, and making sure you have time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. And with practice, this is one of the ways you can effectively build resilience.
Tips For Setting Boundaries For Yourself
Here are some tips for setting boundaries for yourself:
● Identify your values and priorities. What is most important to you? What are your non-negotiables? Knowing your values and priorities will help you set boundaries that align with your goals and values rather than those of others.
● Communicate your boundaries clearly and kindly. Don't be afraid to say no or express your needs and boundaries to others. It's important to be clear and direct but also respectful and considerate of others.
● Practice genuine self-care. Setting boundaries for yourself also means taking care of your own needs. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as exercise, reorganising your home, creative hobbies, quality time with God, and spending time with loved ones. We often make the mistake of choosing activities that merely feel relaxing but are not actually enriching to our lives. Try to choose shifts that have a life-giving effect.
● Set limits on how you use your time and energy. It's important to manage your time and energy wisely and to know when to say no to additional commitments. Setting limits can help you avoid overloading yourself and becoming overwhelmed. Setting a limit on how much time you spend scrolling social media is also an effective way to manage your boundaries around your energy better.
● Seek support when you need it. Don't be afraid to seek help when you need it, whether it's from friends, family, or a coach or counsellor. It's important to have a support system to help you navigate challenges and maintain healthy boundaries.
