3 Boundaries That Changed My Work Life
When I first started my career, I thought “having good boundaries” meant learning how to say no.
It was a nice idea in theory—but in reality, I was saying yes to everything and everyone.
I said yes to extra work.
I said yes to evening calls.
I said yes to taking care of everyone else’s needs before my own.
And I said yes until I was completely depleted.
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone. In my work as a mental health therapist and team culture expert, I see this pattern show up everywhere—from corporate leaders to educators to helping professionals. We’re told to give our best, to stay flexible, to be team players. But without strong boundaries, our “best” slowly burns out.
Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re wisdom. They’re what help us show up with energy, purpose, and longevity in the work we love.
And they’ve completely changed how I approach my own work and life.
As I wrap up the final session of my Teacher Wellness Workshop Series this month, I’ve been reflecting on how the same principles that support educators apply to all of us. Over the past four sessions, we’ve talked about recognizing burnout, building emotionally well classrooms, and finding resilience in the everyday moments. Again and again, the conversation comes back to one thing: boundaries.
So today, I want to share three boundaries that have truly changed my work life—and maybe they’ll inspire you to revisit your own.
1. I Stopped Apologizing for My Capacity
For a long time, I felt guilty for saying no.
I’d over-explain, overcompensate, or try to make up for not being able to “do it all.”
But here’s the truth: we all have limits. Ignoring them doesn’t make us stronger—it makes us resentful, exhausted, and less effective.
Now, I view my capacity as data, not a defect.
If my day is full, that means it’s full.
If my energy is low, that’s important information.
If my brain or heart needs rest, that’s something to honor, not hide.
One of the teachers in my wellness series shared that she started blocking 20 minutes between her classes—just to breathe, stretch, and reset before the next wave of students arrived. “I used to feel guilty for taking that time,” she said. “Now I see it as part of being a better teacher.”
That’s what boundaries do. They protect your ability to keep showing up, not just once, but sustainably.
Reflection: What would happen if you treated your capacity as something to be respected, not justified?
2. I Schedule Joy—Not Just Tasks
I’m a big believer in daily planning, but a few years ago I realized something important:
My to-do list was full of everyone else’s priorities.
I started a simple habit that changed everything.
Every morning, when I look at my calendar, I create a short “Non-Negotiable List.”
It includes:
Two A-tasks related to my goals or professional focus
One thing just for me — something that brings me joy or helps me reset
Sometimes that’s a walk outside between sessions, a coffee break with a friend, or listening to music while I clean up my office.
These aren’t luxuries—they’re anchors. They remind me that life outside of work is what fuels the work I do.
When I shared this with a group of educators, one teacher said, “I started putting ‘15 minutes for me’ in my schedule, and I actually protect it now.” She said she feels calmer walking into her classroom because she’s not running on empty.
We all need something in our day that gives back to us, not just takes from us.
Reflection: What’s one small thing that brings you joy—and how can you make it non-negotiable in your day?
3. I Redefined “Success” to Include Recovery
Like many high achievers, I used to think success meant being busy, productive, and “on” all the time. But over time, I realized that constant output without recovery isn’t sustainable—it’s survival mode.
Today, I see recovery as a professional skill.
Rest isn’t what you do when you’ve earned it; it’s what allows you to keep doing your best work.
For educators, this often means recognizing that stepping away from the work doesn’t make you less dedicated—it makes you more effective. For leaders, it means modeling healthy boundaries so your team feels permission to do the same.
In the final session of my Teacher Wellness Workshop Series, we talk about resilience not as “pushing through,” but as “bouncing forward.” It’s about learning, adjusting, and growing with intention.
When teachers and professionals alike start honoring recovery as part of their rhythm—not as an afterthought—everything shifts. Energy returns. Clarity strengthens. Purpose feels real again.
Reflection: Where in your week could you create more space for recovery—mental, emotional, or physical?
A Quick Reflection Exercise
If you want to start strengthening your boundaries this week, try this:
List your top three energy drainers — things, people, or tasks that consistently leave you depleted.
List your top three energy givers — the things that light you up or restore your energy.
Circle one drainer you can reduce this week.
Circle one giver you can add or protect more intentionally.
This simple reflection—one I just did myself during a recent retreat—can be surprisingly powerful. When I made my own list, I was grateful to see that the “givers” list was longer than the “drainers.” But I also realized I had some clear action steps to take in the coming months to protect my energy and stay aligned with what matters most.
What Boundaries Make Possible
Boundaries don’t make your life smaller—they expand it.
They give you clarity on what matters most.
They create space for the kind of work and relationships that align with your values.
And they help you show up for others from a place of wholeness, not exhaustion.
As I continue supporting educators, leaders, and teams through wellness and resilience trainings, I’m reminded that this isn’t just about self-care—it’s about sustainability. It’s about creating workplaces where well-being isn’t an afterthought, but the foundation.
If you’re a leader or organization ready to explore how boundaries, communication, and culture impact your team’s well-being, I’d love to connect. You can learn more about my workshops, keynotes, and custom training options at jenschwytzer.com.
Because when people are well, teams thrive.
And that’s what a well-worked life is all about.
