Setting Boundaries: A Key to Better Health and Well-Being

Learning to say no can be tough, but it’s essential for your health and happiness

Setting Boundaries: A Key to Better Health and Well-Being
Setting Boundaries: A Key to Better Health and Well-Being

New York: Justin Stewart had a hectic start to his career, juggling multiple jobs just to get by. He worked as a production assistant from early morning until noon, then rushed off to rent cars or work retail shifts. Sometimes, he even caught a few Z’s in his car between gigs. But it all caught up with him when he ended up in the hospital due to exhaustion and a staph infection.

His doctor told him he was too young to be this stressed and needed to quit something. So, at 36, Stewart learned to set boundaries. He dropped the side jobs and made it clear to his colleagues when he was off-duty.

Saying no can be really hard, especially to a boss. Many people feel good about being needed or making others happy. But experts say that learning to decline requests is crucial for our mental and physical health. And like any new skill, it gets easier with practice.

One tip is to schedule your tasks aggressively. Bobby Dutton, who runs an event production company, suggests putting off procrastinated tasks on your calendar. This way, you can manage your time better.

If you struggle to say no, try writing down what you want to say ahead of time. Stewart practiced phrases like, “This is a lot for me” to communicate his limits.

It’s also important to know your limits. Before saying yes to new tasks, take a moment to think about your workload and energy. And if something drains you, consider putting it on a “No List.”

Technology can make it tough to set boundaries, but you can adjust your devices to help. For instance, moving your email app to a different page on your phone can reduce distractions.

Choosing meetings wisely is another way to protect your time. If a meeting doesn’t seem relevant, don’t hesitate to skip it.

Lastly, giving yourself a time frame can help. Lori Perkins, who had to cut back on her work hours after a cancer diagnosis, now limits her work to about 50 hours a week. She’s learned to say no and has found more time for herself.

Saying no can truly change your life, as Perkins discovered. It’s all about finding that balance and taking care of yourself.

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