You Are Not a Machine
The Power of Setting Boundaries at Work (Even When It’s Hard)
Let me be honest with you—today broke me a little. And I know I’m not the only one who’s been there.
As someone who preaches mindfulness, emotional wellness, and thriving—even in the chaos of life—I still find myself making the same mistake over and over again: not setting boundaries at work. Or worse, setting them and then not sticking to them.
Today, I logged in, already feeling like trash—sick with strep throat, body aching, brain fog so thick I could barely think—and what do I see? More work than everyone else. Why? Because I usually offer to take more. But this time, I didn’t. I couldn’t.
When I asked why, I was hit with a casual, “Well, you usually take this amount in 8 hours, so I don’t see why this is a problem.”
Let me tell you exactly why it’s a problem: I am not a machine. I am a human being. A sick, exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed human being who deserves to work within the same fair boundaries as everyone else.
The pressure to just take it—just do the thing, push through, keep the peace—was intense. The panic attack brewing in my chest as I thought, “I’ll never finish this on time,” was real. I had to fight just to be treated fairly. Not better—fairly.
And that, my friends, is when I hit my limit.
This is your reminder (and mine) that:
Being helpful is not the same as being obligated.
Your capacity fluctuates—and that’s okay.
You’re allowed to change your mind.
You don’t owe anyone your burnout.
If you're constantly going above and beyond just to be treated decently, it’s time to reevaluate the system you’re in—and the boundaries you’ve set (or let slide). People may resist at first when you stop overextending. Let them. That’s their discomfort with your boundaries—not your problem to fix.
From today on, I’m done doing the most. No more overtime. No more picking up extra just because I “usually” do. My body, my mind, and my peace are not up for negotiation anymore.
You don’t need to prove your worth by burning out.
You are worthy already.
So here’s your homework (and mine):
Set the boundary.
Hold the boundary.
Watch how your life changes when you prioritize your mental health over people-pleasing.
If you’ve ever felt like you're drowning under the weight of unfair expectations at work, just know—I see you. I am you. And I’m rooting for us to do better, together.
Stay mindful. Stay fierce. Stay whole.
With love,
Your Mindful Anxiety Bestie
