If self-care was the buzzword for 2019, then boundaries is the official word of 2020.
With life, work and play all under one roof now, we’ve all had to take a crash-course in understanding what we need, what’s okay, and what really just doesn’t work for us.
Here are some of the top things I’ve learned to set boundaries around this year:
Setting a Work Space
One of the biggest boundaries I’ve learned to set is my work space. I’m the kind of freelancer that will start working on my bed, move to the kitchen, sit in the laundry room, go outside, and even sit in my car sometimes.
However, it’s important to have at least one area that’s designated to *work*. Pick a specific place to work each day, and make sure that it’s kept clean of clutter and junk.
If you live with roommates or have kids/a partner, ask them to help you respect this space by keeping their belongings in a different place- or at least keeping it tidy if that’s not an option.
If you’re like me, and love having an additional floater space (or two) where you can take your laptop for a change of scenery, make sure to take everything with you when you’re finished working.
TIME BOUNDARIES
You might think the boundary here would be around your boss, your clients or your teammates- but, it’s really more about yourself.
It’s easy for work to spill over into our personal lives, especially with all the notifications that come our way 24/7. Setting boundaries with your time means designating specific time to working, having fun, and cultivating relationships. I’m literally the last person that wants to live life according to a schedule, but you can start small by making boundaries like, “I’m only going to answer work emails from 8:00-5:00 during the work-week” or “I’m not going to sleep with my phone in the same room.”
PRIORITIZE RELATIONSHIPS
This boundary is about recognizing the relationships that are most important to you, and making them a priority.
It might feel like now, more than ever, you’re spending more time together (because you probably are!) but carving out quality time for those you love makes all the difference in how connected you feel.
Make intentional date nights with your partner, reserve a weekly time to call a friend you care about or set aside a time to play with your kids so you can be fully present when you’re spending time with the relationships you are choosing to cultivate. .
PHONE LIMITS
Set limits on scrolling, who you’re following and what you’re absorbing; social media apps are literally designed to suck you in!
If you’re anything like me and sometimes feel disconnected from yourself, or like there’s not enough time in the day, it’s likely because you’re spending an absorbent amount of time on your phone. Guilty as charged…
I like to set app limits on my phone because it reminds me of my intention and helps keep me honest (even if I ignore them from time to time hehe).
A lot of these might be new habits for you to cultivate, but just like you’ve gotten used to making your charcoal face mask a part of your weekly routine, with a little practice and intention these new boundaries will quickly become as easy as grabbing your face mask and keys before leaving the house.
What- if any- self-care practices have you incorporated in 2020? We’d love to hear them below!
Wellbeing Zine 
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