Honoring Your Boundaries

Hello, Boundaries 

The demands placed on us (by ourselves and others) can feel overwhelming. By not honoring your boundaries, you risk burnout, stress, and the downfall of our own identity.

Whether you’re working from home, juggling responsibilities, or navigating the blurred lines of hybrid work, setting intentional boundaries is essential for your emotional and physical wellbeing.

“Setting boundaries with others is key in having a strong relationship with yourself.”
– Philippa Perry, The Book You want everyone you love to read

Understanding Boundaries

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a boundary as “a real or imagined line that marks the edge or limit of something.” Boundaries can be physical, psychological, or emotional. 

“If we don’t know where we begin (physically, psychologically and metaphorically), how can we possibly know how to protect our ‘space’ and avoid unwanted encroachment into our territory?” – Dr Jane Booth

But why do we struggle to verbalise our work and personal boundaries, especially when they’re crossed?

Questioning your boundaries 

To honour your boundaries you must first understand what they are. Boundaries are multilayered and often shifting, making it important to regularly reflect on the different types and how well we honor each in our lives. Emotional boundaries involve respecting your own feelings and emotional energy. Such as expressing how you’d like to receive feedback, protecting your energy in emotionally draining situations, and resisting the urge to absorb others’ moods. 

Physical boundaries relate to your personal space, comfort with touch, and physical needs. This might look like preferring a handshake over a hug, skipping social events to recharge, or taking a walk when you need a break. 

Mental boundaries protect your thoughts and focus, and include actions like taking time off to recover, setting away messages during deep work, and avoiding the pressure to over-explain your decisions. 

Finally, time boundaries help you value and protect how your time is spent. By declining unnecessary meetings, sticking to your work hours, and clearly communicating when your capacity has been reached. Understanding and maintaining these boundaries is key to safeguarding your well-being and sustaining healthy relationships.

Tuning In: A Boundary Check-In

When was the last time you checked in with how you honour your boundaries?

Try this:

• Rate yourself on each boundary type: Emotional, physical, mental and time (1–5 scale)
• Identify where you feel the most tension or fatigue
• Notice what your body tells you

Boundaries are flexible. They will look different depending on the relationship, context, or stage of life. What’s non-negotiable today might shift next year, or even next week and that’s okay.

Fill in the wheel, which are ranked lowest? Why is this, it could be a specific situation or simply how your energy is presenting at this time. Question what actions you could take to bring the score up. This could be as simple as cancelling a plan to free up some mental space or opening up a conversation with someone you have had a miscommunication or disagreement with.

Boundaries as a Form of Care

By understanding and respecting our own boundaries, we create environments where we feel safe, seen and respected. It’s fundamental to check in with this every so often. Our boundaries will change for different people, and they may shift over time based on personal circumstances.

Through open communication with ourselves and identifying where we lack in our own boundaries we can in turn honour our limits. In doing so, you can take better care of the core of your wellbeing and infuse more meaning and authenticity into our work and relationships. 

Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re bridges toward healthier and a stronger connection to yourself.

Tribe Talks

If you would like to learn more about holding space for yourself and your boundaries our next Tribe Talk is for you. We will be joined by Dr Jane Booth.  Jane has a passion for people and a creatively curious mind. She loves learning, problem solving and supporting her clients with their own development and growth.  Jane can aid in providing the space and time you need to explore solutions and work out the choices ahead of you. Our Tribe Talk will cover the art of creating effective boundaries.

“I fundamentally believe that great people make amazing things happen.  We often lose sight of our potential, however, and this can hold us back from achieving what we really want.  My role is to help you find your path so you can lead yourself, and others, on your chosen journey.”– Dr Jane Booth

Thanks for reading,

Alice

As always we’d love to connect and hear your thoughts. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we’d love to know: What would you love to see more of in the future of Tribe Porty? Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things Tribe.