Grand McDonald, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and therapist at Clarity Clinic, told POPSUGAR that setting boundaries is an effective way to manage stress — and this doesn't just apply to your work-life balance. It's also important to set boundaries with friends or family members who demand too much of your time.
"While friends and family are people we love, adhering to what they expect from us can be very stressful, especially if you can't meet their expectations," Dr. McDonald said. If you're in this situation, she recommends letting the person in question know the times you're available to talk or setting a limit on how much time you can give to them. If you need a weekend to yourself, tell them that. "It's important to use 'I' phrases when communicating with loved ones what you need and why," Dr. McDonald advised. "When you set your boundaries, others usually respect them, too."