is expected of us. We also hope to get a promotion, which will increase our pay, so we can buy the bigger car and bigger house to satisfy the family. There is a popular term for this everywhere you go, and it's called upgrading. But before you do this, think: Will my spouse be unhappy if I don't provide more material things? In that case, perhaps the issue lies within the relationship and it's time to upgrade it and evaluate what's really important to both of you.

Also, there are no guarantees extra work will get you anything, except more stress. Companies have their own agendas and owe you nothing. You are the only person who owes yourself, and that is to protect your health and emotional well-being. In other words, the first priority is you.

However, there is a misconception that putting ourselves first is a selfish act. This is not to be confused with becoming shallow and uncaring; it simply means to make choices that protect ourselves first.

Another way to set margins is the early bird gets the worm philosophy. These people excel at motivating themselves and usually finish their tasks before everyone else does. Instead of scheduling themselves into oblivion, they reward themselves by spending their remaining time on things they enjoy.

What are the benefits of setting margins in our lives? We have more time to think. More time to think is a good thing, as it allows us to make our own choices, rather than letting the media or marketing make them for us.

We can have time to relax if we set margins. Relaxing is good for us because it can keep many chronic illnesses at bay, or even from occurring. Headaches, fatigue, and stomach problems have all become very common. Instead of treating the causes we look to chemical aids to cover the body's warning signs.

Setting margins will allow us to enjoy our lives. This kind of enjoyment does not fade, nor does it need upgrading. It allows us to devote time to the people and activities we find that make us happy.

None of this means to throw away your job or go live in the woods and dress in loincloths. While it is important to obey human laws, which try to keep order in our society, we can also recognize universal laws which supercede them. Following this concept allows us to be still and find our balance in this chaotic world.

Learn more about this author, Alexandra Heep.
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