Feeling pulled in all directions?

Maintaining healthy boundaries

Boundaries are a critical part of what keeps us healthy and well. It helps us know our limitations and supports us to avoid fatigue, burnout and resentment.  Many nurses and midwives struggle with implementing boundaries - because we are in a helping profession we feel we must always be caring and give to others.

Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re essential for your wellbeing and the quality of care you provide. As nurses and midwives, it’s easy to feel that you must always be available and giving, but constantly putting others first can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Take time to notice when you’re feeling stretched or resentful — these are signs your boundaries need attention. Practice saying “no” or “not right now” when you need rest or recovery. Remember: protecting your time and energy helps you stay compassionate, balanced, and effective in your work and life.

1.⏳ Know your limits

A good place to start is to consider what your boundaries are. What do you need in life to feel rested, balanced, and have good energy levels? Be clear about what you can and cannot do — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Acknowledge when you’re at capacity, and give yourself permission to step back or ask for help. This may take a while to flesh out if you haven’t thought about it much before.

2. 🕒 Schedule time for yourself

Block out regular time in your week that’s just for you — rest, exercise, hobbies, or simply quiet time. Treat these moments as non-negotiable appointments.

3. 🚦 Learn to say “no” kindly

Some of us struggle to say no because we feel guilty and like we are letting others down. Practice saying no, even in small ways, and remind yourself that its to protect your own wellbeing. Saying no doesn’t make you uncaring. It’s an act of self-respect. A gentle, assertive “I’d love to help, but I don’t have the capacity right now” is both honest and professional.

4. 🚪Separate work from home

Create rituals to transition between work and personal life — like changing clothes, taking a short walk, or listening to music. This helps your mind reset and reduces ‘emotional carryover’.

5. 🗣️ Communicate clearly

Be upfront about your needs and expectations with colleagues, friends, and family. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and builds mutual respect.

6. 🔮 Trust your intuition

That gut feeling, or something not feeling right or off needs to be listened to. Start checking in with yourself and how you feel when a request is made of you. Notice when you start feeling drained, irritable, or overwhelmed. These are cues that your boundaries may be slipping — pause and reassess what needs adjusting.

7. ✨ Model healthy boundaries for others

By practising good boundaries, you show colleagues and students that self-care is professional care. You give others permission to do the same.

8. 🤝 Seek support when needed

If setting or maintaining boundaries feels difficult, reach out to a trusted colleague, mentor, or a confidential service like the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.