Setting Boundaries to Manage the Juggle of Work and Life.
Without clear boundaries, work can easily spill into personal time, leading to burnout and diminishing quality time spent with loved ones.
As A business owner, mother, wife, and supporter of various ministries and businesses, my life is a fulfilling yet hectic adventure. With so many roles demanding my attention, finding time to disconnect and recharge has been challenging. That's why I decided to set a new boundary at JoiB Consulting: an automatic away message every Friday declaring, "Out of Office: Embracing Rest & Family Time." Here's how and why I made this change, inspired by the biblical principles of rest.
The Need for Boundaries: Juggling multiple roles requires immense energy and dedication. Without clear boundaries, work can easily spill into personal time, leading to burnout and diminishing quality time spent with loved ones. As I reflected on my life, I was reminded of creation, where God rested on the seventh day after six days of work. This act of rest wasn't out of necessity but as an example for us. In the same way, Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest, showing us that even in the midst of ministry and service, we must prioritize time to recharge.
I realized that to sustain my energy and passion for my work, I needed to prioritize rest and family time just as much as client meetings and project deadlines. Setting boundaries wasn't just about preserving my well-being—it was essential for my success as a business owner and overall health.
Implementing the Change: The decision to activate an automatic away message every Friday was driven by my desire to fully embrace the weekends with my family, in line with biblical principles for rest and renewal.
The message reads:
"Hi there, Thank you for reaching out to JoiB Consulting! We believe in the importance of rest and the value of spending quality time with our loved ones, which is why we are away from our desks over the weekend. We'll be back on Monday, refreshed and ready to assist you with any of your needs.
If you're a client and have an urgent matter that can't wait until then, please don't hesitate to reach out via our emergency contact number provided during onboarding.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to connecting with you soon. Wishing you a restful and joyful weekend! Warm regards,"
This message not only communicates my absence but also underscores JoiB Consulting's core values: rest, family, and well-being—principles rooted in my faith.
The Impact: Since implementing this away message, I've noticed a profound impact on both my personal life and work efficiency. Weekends rejuvenate, allowing me to return with renewed vigor and focus each Monday. Moreover, it sets a healthy example for my team (meet my team), encouraging them to embrace their need for rest, just as God intended for us.
I share this practice not just as a personal anecdote but as a strategy that can benefit anyone feeling overwhelmed by the continuous demands of professional and personal life. Setting boundaries can seem daunting at first, but the benefits are immeasurable. Just as God rested on the seventh day and Jesus withdrew to recharge, we, too, must embrace the necessity of rest. It's a practice that I believe every business owner, and indeed every professional, should consider.
Embracing rest and dedicating time to family or something that fills your bucket (as my daughter often says) is not just a personal preference—it's a biblical principle promoting long-term success and well-being. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, let's remember that setting boundaries is not just about saying no; it's about saying yes to a fuller, more vibrant life in alignment with God's design.