Boundaries During the Holidays

All, Navigating Life

by Tori Roalef
November 22, 2022

The holiday season has begun! But, unfortunately, the holidays can easily become overwhelming, hectic, stressful, and exhausting—both at work and home.

As we plan for the holidays, it's important to know what our expectations and boundaries are for this time of year. So, in the spirit of taking care of ourselves, this week, we are learning how to set and maintain our boundaries during the holiday season.

The Idea of the Week

Firstly, what are boundaries (a 7-minute read)? Boundaries are the physical, mental, and emotional limits and rules of acceptable and unacceptable behavior between people. We set boundaries in our interpersonal and work relationships and even with ourselves. In the article, you’ll also learn the different types of boundaries.

One essential boundary tool we have is our compass, which has two words on it: “yes” and “no.” In this 15-minute TED Talk, Sarri Gilman shares how we use this compass to make decisions, figure out relationships, and set boundaries.

Practice of the Week

How do we set boundaries? How do we know what our boundaries are?

In this 11-minute video, Kati Morton shares 4 tips for setting boundaries:

Know your expectations and boundaries.
Put language to those expectations and boundaries.
Communicate!
Be open to having more than one conversation about it.

Learn to set your boundaries by completing this worksheet where you’ll practice crafting responses that maintain your boundaries and learn tips for boundary-setting.

How are you preparing for the holiday season? Let us know on our Instagram or Facebook page!

Meditation of the Week

Holiday time can be wonderful and sad and exciting and stressful. Some of us have a lot of anxiety about this time of year, and some of us are able to find pockets of calm and simplicity. We urge you to find moments to yourself to reflect on gratitude and self-love.

To that end, Caitlin, one of our interns, has offered this beautiful meditation on self-love to help you find some peace this season.

News of the Week

Yoga Classes

Would you be interested in attending a yoga class at the Breathing Space Studio in Erieville? Let us know by filling out this short survey!

Please note that Meg Tobin, LMHC will be on vacation from 11/24 to 12/6.

Please also note that we had to cancel the Reiki Immersion and Sound Bath Healing Workshop, but we will look to provide this workshop in the new year, so stay tuned!