Time boundaries are the boundaries you set for yourself regarding how you spend, prioritize, and value your time.
Having time boundaries is important in regards to your work, home, and social life.
When we are able to establish time boundaries, we’re able to better prioritize and allot time to different areas of our life- and to do so without overcommitting.
Even as a therapist myself, I’ve been having to work on my own time boundaries lately.
It can be hard to slow down and set time aside for my own self-care. It feels like I’m constantly on the go, and that makes it really easy to forget just how important it is to sit and relax when I have free time.
That all said, let’s work through this together!
Aside from violating your own time boundaries, they can also be violated by others in your life- i.e., when another person demands too much of your time or lacks respect for the value of your time..
Here are a few examples:
Someone canceling plans on you last minute
Someone contacts you after you’ve already said you weren’t available to talk
Showing up late to a meeting, appointment, or social gathering,
Making plans but not sticking to them
Think about how often you find yourself in these situations- are you able to stand firm with your time boundaries, or are they honestly quite flimsy?
If it’s the latter, and you find yourself being taken advantage of, here are a few tips to help you improve those boundaries!
Making a list of your needs and responsibilities
Identify where in your life you need to step time boundaries
Communicate your time boundaries to others.
And lastly stick to your time boundaries by staying consistent and holding yourself accountable.