Time for a good old fashioned boundaries check!
This journal prompt is a quick diagnostic to see if you’re experiencing the early onset or late stages of boundary depletion.
Sometimes we don’t notice our boundaries are getting worn down until it’s too late. We feel depleted, taxed by a person or a situation without feeling any value added in return.
We can even disrespect our own boundaries (often we are the ones doing it to ourselves) by overplanning and underestimating how much time we need to reset our spirits.
It’s okay to pump the breaks, especially when it feels like you’re getting close to burning out.
How have your energy levels been recently?
Do you wake up feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead?
Are you excited to answer a call from a friend?
Do you have any space in your day after work that is solely for nothing?
What is the mental monologue like these days?
Have you had time to move your body recently?
Is there time to eat food that truly nourishes you?
Have you had any physical signs of exhaustion that you may have ignored?
With these answers reflecting your current state, truthfully ask yourself if you’re showing signs of boundary depletion.
If you believe you are:
Take a moment to rethink how you’re spending your time and who you’re spending it with.
Make a mental note of the people who feel like they’re lifting you up, give yourself permission to distance yourself from anyone who doesn’t fit in that category. Just because you’re not vibing with someone doesn’t make them a bad person, you just aren’t in sync right now. Needs change, people grow together and apart and together.
Maybe it’s time to reinstate some routines and rituals that give structure to your day. Structure is a great help in saying no to doing too much.
Take intentional moments throughout the day to really check in. That could be on a water break, during meals or consciously breathing at the beginning and end of the day. They don’t have to be long intense sessions, just a way to ensure you’re going through your day on your terms.
And lastly, if you need to hide away for a moment and regroup, that’s okay. You can let people know you’re taking a moment to reset and spend the weekend in your pajamas watching the paint dry.
Whatever you do this weekend, know I truly am rooting for you and your healthy boundaries.
I’ll see you on Sunday with Moments for Now.
xx
James