Boundaries

Many people in caring professions, including healthcare professionals, struggle to set boundaries  between work and personal life. The need for services does not end at 5pm and it is not possible to resolve every difficult situation a caring professional encounters. It can feel natural to work long  hours or to continue thinking about work after returning home. Many people in caring professions do this type of work because they feel it is a calling or a mission and the work gives their life purpose. This sense of meaning can be an important contributor to our feeling of compassion satisfaction. However, without good boundaries that give our bodies and minds a chance to rest, the resulting overwork and boundless emotional investment can impact our bodies, minds and relationships negatively.