Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being. Women from various fields have shared their most important boundaries to help others learn to set their own. These insights are invaluable, especially for neurodivergent professional women who often navigate additional challenges in their personal and professional lives.
Lessons from Successful Women
Prioritizing Self-Care: Successful women emphasize the importance of self-care to maintain their well-being. This might include activities like ensuring adequate sleep, regular exercise, and taking breaks from digital devices. These practices help recharge and maintain overall health.
Saying No: Learning to say no is a powerful boundary-setting tool that prevents overcommitment and burnout. Many highlight the importance of not taking on too many responsibilities and protecting their time for essential tasks and personal life.
Setting Work Hours: Defining clear work hours helps maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal time. Many ensure that their workday has a definite end, allowing them to spend quality time with their families and engage in personal activities without interruptions.“One of the most important boundaries I’ve set is saying ‘no,’ and it being a full sentence. Oftentimes, we feel the need to explain or say yes when in reality we wish we could say no for various reasons. We tend to overlook that exerting energy for something that is not in alignment with our goals takes us away from something that would be a better match." Katrina Purcell, founder and fractional COO of Katrina Purcell LLC.
“I don’t take meetings before 10 a.m. I’ve learned that when I ease into my morning routine, I have my most vibrancy later in the day,” Ciela Hartanov, Founder and CEO of Humcollective
Creating Personal Space: Having a dedicated personal space can help maintain focus and relaxation. This space is often a physical environment where one can unwind, reflect, and separate from the demands of work or other stresses.
Delegating Tasks: Delegating is essential to prevent burnout and manage workload effectively. Many women understand that they don't have to do everything themselves and often delegate tasks outside their expertise to trusted team members, allowing them to focus on strategic decisions.
Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries
- Identify Your Limits: Understand what you can tolerate and what makes you feel uncomfortable or stressed.
- Be Assertive: Clearly communicate your boundaries to others. It's okay to be firm and direct.
- Start Small: Begin by setting small boundaries and gradually work your way up to more significant ones.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
- Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a professional therapist when needed.
Integrating Boundaries into Daily Life
For neurodivergent professional women, integrating these boundary-setting practices can be particularly beneficial. These women often face unique challenges related to sensory sensitivities and work-life integration, making it crucial to establish boundaries that cater to their specific needs.
By embracing these boundary-setting practices and incorporating them into your daily life, you can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether it's through self-care, saying no, or creating personal space, boundaries are essential for your well-being. Start small, be assertive, and prioritize your needs—you deserve it.
For more insights and tips on setting boundaries, visit Thrive Global's article on boundary-setting featuring VKTORI's founder and CEO, Keona Moy.