COVID-19 Resources: Self Limits

To some degree, we all are experiencing a disruption in our everyday routines. Whether you are suddenly at home significantly more than usual or are finding yourself working additional hours as a first responder or essential employee, setting new limits and healthy boundaries for yourself in response to life’s new demands may be helpful.

There are a variety of limits we may need to set for ourselves during this time. For example, some people find themselves going to the fridge 8 or 9 times in an hour out of boredom or stress rather than out of hunger. For them, creating a healthy daily meal plan as if it were a normal work week would be a way of setting some limits for themselves. Many people are finding the need to set limits for themselves around how much exposure they have to news in order to regulate anxiety and depression. It may be helpful to only check the news once per day, preferably not right when you wake up or right before you go to sleep. You may also need to limit watching or reading the news to 30 minutes per day. Other people are finding a need to set limits for themselves around time spent on social media due to feeling triggered by opinions of their friends or being inundated with bad news. Others may need to set limits around their workspace. All of a sudden, your home is your work, and your work is your home. Contain your workspace behind a closed door, setting the intention to turn off work mode when you close the door.  

What limits do you need to set for yourself? It might be helpful to make a list of the limits you need to set for yourself. During this time, it’s easy to get consumed by the news, social media, or work. Additionally, you may find that you’re overextending yourself or trying to accomplish too much during this period of quarantine.  

If you are struggling, please know we are here to support you. We are offering individual, couples, and family therapy through telehealth. Additionally, group therapy can be a way of connecting with others who are going through similar things. Check out our recently discounted group offerings here. You can find Safe Haven TS’ full pandemic plan here. We can be reached through a contact form, at info@safehaventherapy.com or at (615) 241-6130.