By Elizabeth Nguyen CPA, MBA
In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of “setting boundaries” has become a buzzword—emphasized across workplaces, relationships, and personal lives as a vital component for maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health. A simple Google search on the topic yields thousands of results. While I am not a psychologist or a relationship expert, my own experiences as an executive leader, a doctoral student, a wife, a mother to two young kids, and a daughter to aging parents have taught me just how critical it is to set clear boundaries. It’s not just about protecting your time—it’s about protecting yourself.
As an executive, I quickly realized that being fully immersed in my job during the day left me drained and less present for my family when I got home. I had to establish a guiding principle: The best version of myself should be the one I bring home. This mindset has transformed my approach to work and personal life, and it has made a profound difference in my mental health, physical well-being, and overall productivity.
Prioritize Your Lunch Breaks
One of the most important boundaries I’ve set revolves around my lunch break. It might seem tempting to skip lunch in an effort to finish more work, but doing so consistently leads to burnout. Taking a lunch break is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity, and you’re entitled to the break! I use my lunch break to go to the gym. I have a colleague who will listen to an audiobook while walking. Another colleague of mine uses her lunch break to run errands so that she won’t have to rush to do it after work. The point is to disconnect from work, recharge, and give your mind a break. When you step away from your desk, you return more focused and ready to give your best work. When you protect this time, you’re also setting a boundary that you need space to recharge in order to be the best you can be for your team and clients. No one is going to thank you for working through your lunch break. But your body and mind will thank you for moving it, feeding it, and recharging it.
Set Boundaries for Email Availability
Another key boundary I’ve established is around email availability. As a CPA, I’m no stranger to high-pressure environments where constant email notifications demand immediate attention. However, answering emails at all hours of the day can lead to unnecessary stress and fatigue. I’ve learned that I need to protect my personal time and downtime, so I avoid checking emails in the evenings, on weekends, and even during lunch. This gives me the space I need to mentally recharge without the constant interruption of work.
I understand that different people may prefer different systems when it comes to email, but for me, the key is setting a clear boundary. While some colleagues prefer to check emails at set times during the work day, I’ve found that shutting off the email flood during personal time has been the best solution for maintaining balance.
Foster a Respectful Work Environment
Lastly, one of the most important boundaries I set is around respect. Stress can sometimes lead to heightened tensions, but I firmly believe that respect is non-negotiable. I make it a point to establish and communicate that mutual respect is expected in all interactions. When tensions rise, I’ve learned to address the situation calmly with phrases like, “This conversation will be more productive if we can have it respectfully,” or “We can continue this discussion once we can do so in a respectful manner.” By setting these expectations, I ensure that my work environment remains productive and positive.
Conclusion
Setting boundaries is about more than just time management; it’s about safeguarding your mental and physical health. Whether it’s taking your lunch break, managing email availability, or cultivating respect in your work environment, boundaries ensure that you remain balanced, productive, and present in all aspects of your life. The best version of yourself—whether at work, at home, or anywhere in between—begins with a clear understanding of your limits and the ability to protect them.
Do you have a wellness story you want to share with your fellow CPAs? Email us at contact@cpa-assist.ca.
CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services and 24/7 crisis support to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. To book an appointment through CPA Assist, call 1-855-596-4222 or email cpaforbes@telus.net.
Do you have a wellness story you want to share with your fellow CPAs? Email us at contact@cpa-assist.ca.
CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services and 24/7 crisis support to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. To book an appointment through CPA Assist, call 1-855-596-4222 or email cpaforbes@telus.net.