3 Key Tips to Maintain your Wellbeing This Season
This time of year, coupled with Election season through Christmas can feel like a pressure cooker. Travel stress, navigating “fun” family personalities (I know you know what I mean🙃) and complex dynamics, trying to keep everyone “happy” and civil, trying to fit in all of the activities, parties, etc—can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin.
On top of that, if you struggle with saying “no” or feel guilty about prioritizing yourself, this time of year can feel especially draining, leaving little room for quiet time or things that help you feel balanced and regulated. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to consider where boundaries might help you protect your time and energy.
When you’re constantly saying “yes” to everyone else and neglecting your own needs, it’s a recipe for exhaustion.🥴
Take a moment and ask yourself:
Do you often feel exhausted or overwhelmed after spending time with others?
Do you find it difficult to say “no” when people ask for your time or help?
Do you regularly agree to plans or commitments that you later regret?
Do you feel resentful toward others for asking too much of you?
If any of these questions resonate with you, it might be time to look at your boundaries.
So, what exactly are boundaries, and why do they matter?
Boundaries are limits we set for ourselves and others to protect our time, energy, and well-being.
Without boundaries, we overcommit, feel guilty for saying “no,” and ultimately run ourselves into the ground.
Setting strong boundaries is the first step toward avoiding burnout and reclaiming control of your life—especially as we head into the busy holiday season.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s not too late to make a change.
Here are 3 simple ways to start setting boundaries today:
Get clear on your needs.
The first step to setting boundaries is understanding what you need. Take a moment to reflect on what drains your energy and who or what you need to protect yourself from.
Practice saying “no”—without guilt.
Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. As you practice, you’ll regain control over your time and energy.
Communicate and reinforce your boundaries clearly.
Once you’ve identified your limits, be direct and clear when expressing them to others. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your boundaries are respected.
Setting boundaries is key to preventing burnout and maintaining your wellbeing—especially during the upcoming holiday season when stress is likely to spike.
If this resonates for you, I’d love to hear what are the kinds of things that stress you out this time of year, what has worked for you, and where you feel like you may be struggling? I hope these tips help!
