By Megan Lewis, LMHC, PRO Medical Counselor
It may feel like the boundaries of your personal space, conversations, sense of normalcy and routine have been crossed recently. Some homes are filled with talkative children, desks moving to previously relaxing spaces, or work hours blurring with personal time. Boundaries are healthy and necessary during this difficult time. When set calmly, clearly, and consistently, they can be incredibly powerful and positive.
Technology Boundaries
Because technology is now so easily accessible, we are constantly exposed to alerts on our computers, phones, Apple Watches, and tablets. One way to set a healthy boundary is by turning off the notifications from your news apps.
- Set specific times during the day for watching the news or scrolling the internet.
- Ask your family to turn off the news if it’s causing high anxiety, or to stop sending you news updates multiple times a day.
- Encourage your family to seek out positive and empowering news as well.
Phone notifications have begun to feel like our “normal,”. But you still have the agency to control what stressful information you expose yourself to. You can minimize your relationship and reliance with technology.
Work From Home Boundaries
Recognize that the “work from home” life makes it difficult to step away from your workload. Protect your personal time and quality time with others at the end of the day. Setting a time when you start, and end work will give you a sense of normalcy and routine.
Boundaries with Family and Friends
Your conversations in your relationships may feel like they are consumed with one main topic. Set up a family meeting or conversations with friends to talk about the expectations and needs each person has. Then figure out ways to practice respecting limits. Decide what that looks like for you. Perhaps it is a walk, jog, baking, or taking a longer shower than normal. This may also include telling your friends how some topics are stressful and make you feel uncomfortable, and that you would like to limit your exposure. Provide new topics for conversations and quality time together.
Megan specializes in the treatment of trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ, cultural stressors, relationship and family conflict, body image and self-esteem. She was raised internationally which gives her the passion and experience for working with a variety of cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs. She utilizes creative expression and mindfulness techniques to work with adults, children, and families.
For more support, schedule 1:1 with a counselor at PRO Medical.
