Mental Health Benefits Of Setting Work Boundaries: A look Into Time Management and Leaving The Office On Time

7/24/2019

Setting and maintaining work boundaries can be beneficial to our physical and emotional health. By creating a consistent work schedule and leaving at your designated time, it sets a starting record for consistency. Leaving work on time allows for family, exercise, healthier eating, etc.
It's a common thought we have that we "must finish this one thing" before we leave for the day. Time management throughout the work day and week can help facilitate this feeling. However, regularly staying late and overworking can lead to physical symptoms, anxiety, and burn out. Physical symptoms can include, but are not limited too: headaches, spaciness, confusion, tingling sensation, restless leg syndrome, clenched stomach, dizziness, etc.

One recommendation is setting an alarm or having a clock near your work area and maintain a time in which you can check in with yourself toward the end of the day. For example, if you're planning to leave your work area by 5pm, then try setting an alarm for 4pm. When the alarm goes off, ask yourself what you NEED to accomplish and what you would LIKE to accomplish in the last hour of your work day. Promise yourself that when the time is up, the other work can wait for the following work day.
I hear from individuals frequently that they feel like a "millennial" or feel that that they are "procrastinating" on their work if they don't complete everything on their to-do list. However, this tactic can help lead to increasing your overall productivity, health, and relationships. Identifying a separation between work time and other facets of your life, like time with loved ones and friends.

Similarly related areas:
- Taking work home
-Juggling several jobs when understaffed
-Cohorts asking for help on their assigned tasks

Stay Well

Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT

3 Comments

Eli Richardson link

2/12/2021 07:34:01 am

It really helped when you said it's important to learn how to manage better your work-time to avoid health issues. One of my uncles works in the industrial field, and he's been feeling incredibly tired lately. He said to be leaving his workplace hours later than his designed time, and he's starting to develop back and head pain. That's why I believe he should delegate more activities and not try to do them all himself. Maybe after reading your piece, he'll start changing his habits. Thanks for the tips about how to manage your work and personal time.

Megan Bowling LMFT link

2/12/2021 04:13:18 pm

Eli,
Thank you for your kind feedback. It sounds like you're trying to help your Uncle create and maintain some very healthy work boundaries. I hope he is feeling better soon!

Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT

therapy link

11/18/2022 06:45:31 am

It's no secret that the modern workplace can be a stressful environment. With long hours and demanding deadlines, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But did you know that setting boundaries at work can actually improve your mental health? Studies have shown that setting work boundaries can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance. And when you have a better balance, you're less likely to experience burnout. So how can you set boundaries at work? One way is to manage your time more effectively. Make sure you're prioritizing your tasks and taking breaks when you need them. It's also important to leave the office on time when your workday is done. This can be tough, but it's important to respect your personal time.

Mental Health Benefits Of Setting Work Boundaries: A look Into Time Management and Leaving The Office On Time

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