The holiday season is just around the corner. This period, while filled with joy and festivities, can also become overwhelming with both professional and personal commitments. To ensure we're giving our best to our work, our families, and ourselves, setting healthy boundaries is essential. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the upcoming months:
Professional Boundaries
Clear Communication: Clearly outline your availability during the holidays. (which means you must know your availability) This can help manage client expectations and work responsibilities effectively.
Prioritize Tasks: As year-end deadlines approach, rank your tasks by importance and urgency. This can help you focus on what's critical, minimizing stress.
Delegate: You don't have to do everything yourself. Trust your team and delegate tasks when possible.
Email Time-out: While staying connected is crucial, it's also important to disconnect from work emails and messages during personal and family time.
Personal Boundaries
Family Commitments: If you have multiple family events or commitments, it's okay to say no to some. Make choices that align with your well-being. Make them EARLY.
Social Media Detox: The holidays can trigger feelings of inadequacy fueled by social media. Limit your usage to maintain a healthy mental state. Y’all this is so important. During the holidays LIVE your life, dont spend time on social wishing for someone elses.
Self-Care: Amid the hustle and bustle, don't forget to take time out for yourself. Even a few minutes of meditation or a short walk, grab coffee with a friend that you can vent to. It will make a big difference.
Financial Planning: It's easy to go overboard with holiday spending. Set a budget and stick to it to avoid financial stress. This is my least favorite boundary but it serves future me well come January.
Balanced Approach for a Healthy Season
The key to a fulfilling holiday season is a balanced approach, which caters to both your personal and professional lives. Take time to incorporate these boundaries. This balanced strategy not only promotes overall well-being but also fosters productivity and efficiency at work and home.
Let's step into this exciting season with boundaries that empower us, rather than limit us. Remember, setting boundaries is not about limiting your opportunities; it's about making room for the most valuable ones.
It’s 555am and I have just had some coffee and some moments of self reflection. I am... slightly overwhelmed with tasks and commitments as this is a one of the busiest times in my career.
I celebrate the fact that NO and YES are clear in this season, it’s more of an execution of my “Yes” tasks, you get that? As to not sound exhausted, this is all that I’ve asked the Lord for and then some. My just “okay” comes from wanting to do MORE and have impact socially and in church community. This is where my balance is yet to be mastered. I’m taking steps and seeking an accountability partner often. You asked. So I’m sharing. 🙂 We strong friends often overthink the simplest of tasks...... Sweet hugs, -Mikki💜
This was a great list. I totally felt Mikki’s post.