The Importance of Creating Boundaries

By Natalie Rodriguez-Steen

As we are getting used to social distancing and quarantining, we have been forced to make adjustments to our daily lives to continue functioning while we live under one roof with our relatives, significant others, or roommates – all the time . Wh en work, play, social, and family time all exist within the same space, we must create clear boundaries around our time and space . For those with children, the adjustment to working at home is difficult and requires navigation. A lack of sustainable income can also add to the stress of living at home during these uncertain times. Since we are all trying to maintain our lives and sanity within our new reality, here are a few ways we can create boundaries in order to do this.

Boundaries in shared living spaces:

We have to remember that it is okay to take personal time away from the chaos. If you sh are your living space, that break can be necessary to your mental health. A clear divide on when you are taking personal time over time with your family or others is vital. You must decide for yourself what that boundary looks like and how it manifests itself but make sure to be clear when setting any boundary so that others understand the importance of the time “away” from the shared living area. For some this might be a walk alone, it could be some time to sleep or relax in bed, a time to watch a favorite tv show, or simply some time to take a bath. Regardless of what it looks like, these small divisions can be helpful to our mental health when we need to take a break from our shared space.

Boundaries with technology:

Technological advances are wonderful and innovative for our lives during the pandemic. S ometimes we let the technology seep into our daily lives in unintentional ways – there is such a thing as too much technology . Therefore, in the process of setting boundaries with our shared living space, we can also set boundaries with our virtual lives. These boundaries can include taking breaks from reading,

watching, or listening to news stories on social media.

Pro tip : set the timer on I nstagram . You will be noti fied after ex ceeding a time limit you set. The boundaries can also include when we reply to texts, emails, or video/phone calls to friends, family, or partners. We should clearly and objectively state our boundaries with regards to when and how we reply to people. This might include giving people set times in which we would replyto their needs or it could be asking for space to reply to someone. Ultimately, the important part about setting boundaries with others is communicating what you need. Boundaries with work/children:

Similar to our creation of boundaries with technology, work requires boundaries. Because work and technology are intertwined, the same kind of boundaries with technology are important to the creation of a set work time. there needs to be clear boundaries about working remotely. This could translate to setting boundaries about when you will reply to work emails or take calls. It may be easy for employers to assume that employees can be contacted 24/7 because they are working remotely and are at home all day . Conv ersely, you may be tempted to answer “one more email ” before going to bed.

Setting up a space in the house that is designed for work may also be a helpful way of creating boundaries during working hours and a s a way to distance yourself from it after work is done for the day. Don’ t think that you need an entire room to create a work space. A few square feet (like in the photo) in a corner will work.

Similarly, school time for children requires boundaries, especi ally if the parents are working remotely at the same time. Setting clear schedules about when work needs to be accomplished, when you can help with homework, and when you can take a break to play will create consistency and maintain boundaries in the home. We hope that employers are receptive to your needs while working remotely. They must recognize that there needs to be flexibility and understanding about working with children at home. .

Working, playing, teaching, and living in one space can be difficult and overwhelming. It is not an easy task so also remember to be easy on yourself and take time for yourself as well .

Sometimes the usual ways of relaxing and letting off steam are not available because of the closure of community spaces. You might use the time to find new ways to relax and help maintain a sense of normalcy. Take a walk, learn a new skill, call an old friend, or take up an old hobby.

Final Thoughts…

As we ’ re watching our COVID numbers go up, it is becom ing more apparent that she ltering - at- home, self- quarantines, and …lockdowns are going to be part of our routines.

I recently purchased a casual mask and a dress up mask, because we ’ re going to be wearing them for a while. As this pandemic turns around life as we know it…

Don’ t give up on 2020. If, out of great tragedy can come great vi ctory, we ’ re just getting started.