Guarding Your Time, Energy, and Well-Being: The Art of Setting Boundaries for Busy Women

Dr.Vijayalakshmi Aluri, Winner of World Bank’s Projects competition, Author, Social worker and Gynecologist, Sri Sri Holistic Multi specialty Hospitals, Hyderabad

A Journey to Boundaries

As a mother of two, a full-time gynecologist, and a community volunteer, Dr.Pratibha often felt like a juggler desperately trying to keep all the balls in the air.

Her mornings began before sunrise, packing lunches, preparing for patient rounds, and answering emails. Evenings ended with me helping her children with homework, attending social commitments, or taking calls from colleagues.

One day, her body sent her a message she couldn’t ignore — a bout of severe exhaustion landed her in the ER. The doctor gently asked, “When was the last time you did something just for yourself Madam?” That question stayed with Dr.Pratibha, haunting yet illuminating.

She realized she had no boundaries, saying “yes” to everything and everyone at the expense of her health and happiness. Slowly, she began setting limits. she started small — scheduling one evening a week as “me time” and firmly declining late-night calls unless they were emergencies.