Learn how emotional labour drains your energy and why boundaries are essential for clarity and freedom in 2026. Discover simple practices to reclaim your time and voice.
We talk about boundaries a lot, don’t we? You’ve probably seen the posts, read the articles, maybe even promised yourself you’d practice them more. But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t just about saying no. They’re about protecting yourself from the invisible weight you’ve been carrying—the emotional labour that shows up in ways you barely notice.
Emotional labour is the quiet, unspoken work of keeping life running smoothly: remembering birthdays, managing moods, smoothing over conflicts, holding space for others’ feelings. It’s the invisible load that women especially are often taught to carry. And let’s be honest—it’s exhausting.
Where Are You Carrying Too Much?
Pause for a moment and ask yourself:
- Whose emotions am I managing right now?
- Where am I over-functioning, doing more than my share?
- What would it feel like to set that load down?
Write down one area where you’re carrying someone else’s emotional labour. Naming it is the first step toward releasing it.
A Boundary is a Gift
Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re clarity. They tell you and others: this is mine, that is yours. And when you stop carrying what isn’t yours, you create space for your own voice, your own needs, your own steadiness.
Try this simple practice:
- Write one boundary statement for this week.
- Example: “I will not manage someone else’s emotions at the expense of my own.”
- Repeat it daily until it feels natural.
From Overwhelm to Opportunity
Boundaries are not selfish—they’re the doorway to freedom. And they’re one of the four pillars of my 16-week program, Overwhelm to Opportunity: The Reinvention Pathway.
If you’re ready to stop carrying everyone else’s emotional load and reclaim your energy, this program is designed for you.
Erika Patterson Coaching 