What are Boundaries??? Have you set boundaries with your family, friends, and clients? If not then this is the episode for you Boundaries! What is a boundary? Websters dictionary defines “boundaries” as a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. Everyone needs boundaries, whether it be in your personal or professional life. Creating boundaries gives you confidence and ease of mind that you know exactly what you expect from others but also what is expected from you.   What happens when you don’t set boundaries? Burn out! Youre trying to please everyone around you and you end up stressed, cranky and exhausted! Your customers, family and friends drain you of your energy. You become very resentful of everyone around you. Your sleep, health and your personal & professional life suffer.   No one wants to be cranky, in bad health, and stressed…   So let’s set some boundaries:   Boundaries with your Family and Friends: Communicate your work hours and stick to them! Especially if you work from home, your job is just as important and relevant as a “go to work or to the office” job. Learn to say “No”. You don’t have to be rude, just remind them that you have a set schedule and are unavailable. Balance your work time with your family/friend time. What are your priorities? Mine are God, family, work, playtime Establish an emergency contact method. How can your family reach you and you will know when they truly “need” you. Boundaries with your Clients: These are similar to your boundaries with your family. Communicate up front your hours, availability and how they can reach you Don’t promise what you can’t deliver! You can say “No” or refer them to someone else. Taking on more clients or work than you’re capable of only creates more stress, which leads to burnout, resentfulness, pour health, poor sleep, and suffering… NEGATIVE!! A customer “emergency” isn’t always an emergency… It’s okay not to respond immediately. Again! It’s okay not to respond immediately! This took me a long time to realize but it’s OKAY! Consider, does this really effect the state of the nation or is it going to kill someone???? Boundaries with Yourself: Set your work hours and STICK TO THEM! No exceptions, once you start it keeps cascading into more disruption. Set some time aside to devote to your business, time to do the backend work Don’t take on more than you can deliver, You want to focus on quality more than quantity. Be You! Just because someone else is all over FB, Instagram, TicTok, etc ALL the time and seems like they have it all together… Don’t fall to imposter syndrome (you can listen about that in episode 10). Do What you do! Prioritize what needs to be done and forget the rest. Lastly, set time aside for YOU! Go get your nails done, a facial, or just take a walk. Investing in yourself is the best medicine.   You’ll find that if you set clear boundaries and stick to them, you will be a happier, more productive YOU! And if you would like to do what I do, podcasting... Let my girl Stefanie Gass hook you up! Below is the link to her Podcast Pro University! Check it out! https://emjdesigns--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/  If you like what you've heard so far and want to continue on our journey then write a review, follow us, or subscribe! You can also keep track with our weekly newsletter by clicking the link below. We look forward to hanging out with you soon!  https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/57855/sites/56091871117576166/32OKsx  All my Love, Emily