Caregiving can be meaningful while also isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting physically, mentally, and emotionally. The caregiving relationship is imbalanced, and constant giving can jeopardize caregivers' health and well-being. Without conscious effort, caregivers can become depleted, burned out, or resentful, especially when feeling unseen or unsupported. Boundaries are limits set internally and externally to protect well-being and maintain balance. Healthy boundaries are internal practices that safeguard energy, time, and physical and mental health, not merely saying no or delegating tasks. Internal boundaries require identifying realistic capacities, emotional energy limits, and needs for rest, social connection, and self-care. Strong boundaries reduce burnout and make long-term caregiving sustainable.
By design, caregiving is an imbalanced relationship. We often understand this logically before stepping into the role, yet the constant giving can come at the expense of our own health and well-being. Without conscious effort, many caregivers find themselves depleted, burned out, or even resentful-emotions that intensify when they don't feel seen or supported. That's where boundaries come in. Boundaries are the limits we set-both internally and externally-to protect our well-being and maintain balance in relationships.
Healthy boundaries are not just external; they are more than saying "no" or delegating tasks. More importantly, they are internal efforts to safeguard your energy, time, and mental and physical health, allowing you to provide care without repeatedly sacrificing yourself. Internal boundaries come first Before setting limits with others, it's essential to identify and honor your own limits. Internal boundaries are about recognizing:
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