How to actually protect your peace - Episode 72
Protecting your peace is one of the most important things you can do for your time, energy, mental health, and relationships.
But it’s also one of the hardest — especially if you’re self-employed or a content creator, where the lines between “work” and “life” can easily blur.
I love this reminder from Steven Bartlett: “Disappoint as many people as you need to so you don’t disappoint yourself.”
In this episode of Create & Consume, we’re breaking down practical ways to set boundaries, manage your energy, and truly protect your peace.
Create & consume:
What Austen is creating this week: moving vlog for YouTube and mini move vlog for short-form!
If you missed last week’s episode, Andrew and I moved into our new place and it’s been so fun getting things set up and organized.
What Austen is consuming this week: lots of sports, end of the season for the Mets, Giants won their first game shockingly!
Next week I will be consuming The Life of a Showgirl so I’m sure we’ll talk more about that.
In this episode:
Boundaries as self-care
Boundaries are essential for protecting your peace.
They prevent burnout and allow you to show up more fully in your work and your relationships.
They don’t need to be rigid, but they do need to be firm.
Practical boundary-setting strategies
Use a schedule or calendar: Treat it like a contract with yourself. This could be a regular daily or weekly routine, or bigger breaks like taking three weeks off of social media every year.
Prioritize what matters most: Decide what’s essential vs. what’s just “nice to do.” (For me recently: balancing a home renovation and fashion week!) Try using an Eisenhower matrix to separate out your priorities.
Learn to say no or delegate: If something isn’t aligned with your priorities, pass it on. Delegating doesn’t always mean hiring — it could be asking a family member to step in and take care of something for you.
Establish personal policies: Simple rules like no email after 7pm, no phone during meals, or reading before bed can make a big difference.
Mindset & maintenance
Honor the boundaries you’ve set — resist falling back into old habits.
Start small: set one boundary at a time and build from there.
Check in with yourself regularly (weekly or monthly) to see what’s working.
If you slip, reset without guilt. Protecting your peace is about progress, not perfection.
Boundaries for the self-employed and entrepreneurs
If you work for yourself, protecting your peace requires even more intentionality.
The challenges are real: blurred lines, overwork, and constant availability.
This is where work-life integration comes into play — instead of chasing a perfect balance, it’s about designing a workflow that matches your life.
I dove deeper into that mindset shift in Episode 53 if you wanted to hear more of my thoughts on that!
Do a mini audit by asking yourself:
Am I creating just for the sake of creating? Is there intention behind what I’m doing?
Is my current posting schedule realistic or is it overwhelming me?
Am I working at times I’m most alert and creative?
Can I delegate something in my business right now, even if it’s a few hours a week?
Areas to set boundaries
Work hours & availability: Define when you’re on vs. off.
Client communication: Set response times and after-hours rules.
Personal time & rest: Protect your hobbies, relationships, and downtime.
Scope & commitments: Be intentional about the projects you accept.
Practical tactics that help
Limit distractions & decision fatigue: Turn off unnecessary notifications. (I love using Do Not Disturb but still allowing certain contacts through.)
Create buffer time: Build in breathing room for the unexpected. (I’ll even set fake deadlines for myself so I’m not cramming last-minute.)
Resources and creators for inspiration
Uptime by Laura Mae Martin
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Jules Acree — planning and productivity tips
Julia Broome — entrepreneurship and social media advice
My Notion goal-setting hub template, which I use to plan my weeks and set goals in my business.
Summary
Protecting your peace isn’t selfish — it’s what allows you to do your best work and enjoy your life.
Start small and see if there’s one area today where you can set or reinforce a boundary.
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