How to Set Boundaries & Save 10+ Hours a Week
- Felicia Myers
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 5
I used to say ‘yes’ to everything—extra projects, last-minute favors, social invites I wasn’t excited about. I thought being helpful made me a better friend, employee, and person. But the truth? I was exhausted, stretched too thin, and constantly overwhelmed.
One day, I hit a breaking point. I had agreed to another late-night project, even though my body was screaming for rest. That night, I broke down in tears from pure exhaustion. I realized I had been giving away my energy to everyone else and leaving nothing for myself.
That’s when I decided: I had to start saying no—guilt-free. And that single shift changed everything. More peace. More energy. More time for what actually matters."

🛑 1. Saying “no” is an energy protection tool, not a selfish act.
Every time you say "yes" to something that drains you, you're saying no to yourself. You cannot show up fully for your purpose, relationships, or creative flow if you're constantly depleted. Start shifting your mindset: Saying no isn’t rejection—it’s redirection toward what aligns with you.
💡 2. Recognize energy leaks.
Ever notice how some commitments leave you feeling drained, while others fuel your soul? Pay attention to the people, tasks, and habits that leave you exhausted. These are your energy leaks, and they need boundaries. Some examples:
Answering non-urgent emails at all hours = ⬇️ Energy leak
Attending social events out of obligation = ⬇️ Energy leak
Helping others at the expense of your own well-being = ⬇️ Energy leak
🌿 3. Use the "Pause & Check-In" method before saying yes.
Instead of automatically agreeing to things, pause. Ask yourself:
✅ Does this align with my priorities?
✅ Will this energize me or drain me?
✅ Do I actually want to do this, or am I saying yes out of guilt or obligation?
If it’s a no, practice saying it without over-explaining:
🔹 "I appreciate the invite, but I can’t make it this time!"
🔹 "That sounds great, but my plate is full right now."
🔹 "I need to prioritize my energy, so I’ll have to pass on this one."
⚡ 4. Protect your time like you protect your money.
Think of your time and energy like your bank account. If you spent all your money on things that don’t serve you, you’d be broke. The same goes for your energy.
Set non-negotiable time for self-care, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.
Create buffer time between commitments so you’re not running on empty.
Block out sacred work hours to focus on what truly moves you forward.
🎯 5. Prioritize what lights you up.
When you start saying no to what drains you, you make space for what excites you.
More time for your passion projects.
More energy for deep, meaningful connections.
More mental clarity to create the life you actually want.
Your energy is your greatest asset—don’t waste it on things that don’t serve you. The more you say no to what drains you, the more you say yes to peace, alignment, and your highest self.
✨ Try it today: Say no to one thing that doesn’t align with your energy—and notice how much lighter you feel. ✨
🧘 Deepen Your Mindfulness Practice & Stay Accountable
Consistency is key to unlocking the full benefits of mindfulness. The Mindfulness Workbook & Journal offers guided prompts and exercises to help you stay present, self-aware, and aligned. Begin your transformation today!
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