Picture this: You’re balancing deadlines at work, supervising your child’s homework, managing dinner preparations, and still trying to squeeze in time to relax. Sounds familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. 

In our Indian patriarchal society, we sadly grew up conditioned that the duty of a woman was confined to the three C’s — cooking, cleaning, and childcare.

But times have changed.  According to a survey by DBS Bank and CRISI, 38% of Indian women today cite career growth as their top priority.

But here’s the thing: While women’s aspirations have evolved, society hasn’t fully caught up. Many women in their prime working years (24–30) leave the workforce due to childcare and household responsibilities. Add to this several instances of many speaking out about their mental health due to work stress, it’s clear that women are being stretched to their limits.

The pressure to excel in every aspect of life can take a serious toll on our mental and physical health. The good news? You don’t have to succumb to this constant pressure.

This blog post is your guide to setting healthy boundaries – a powerful tool that can transform your life. We’ll explore how to navigate the challenges unique to working women in India and empower you to reclaim your time, energy, and of course sanity.

The Signs You’re Drowning (and Not Just in Dishes)

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s identify those not-so-subtle signs that you’re overdue for some serious boundary setting:

The 24×7 grind: You’re constantly checking emails, responding to messages, and feeling the weight of work responsibilities even when you’re ‘off the clock’

The Neverending Guilt Trip: Saying ‘no’ feels impossible, leaving you burdened with tasks you don’t have the bandwidth for.

The Wannabe Superwoman: You’re striving for perfection in every area of your life, be it home or work, leading to constant exhaustion and a sense of inadequacy.

The Hating Game: You find yourself feeling increasingly irritated and resentful towards your partner, family, or even yourself.

The Burnout Blues: Fatigue, anxiety, and even physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia are becoming your constant companions.

If any of these resonate with you, know this: You’re not broken. You’re simply human. And it’s time to break free from the cycle of over-giving and self-neglect.

How to set boundaries at work? (not just another to-do list item)

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with the laws that protect you.

• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: This crucial legislation guarantees paid maternity leave and provides support for working mothers.
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013: This law ensures a safe and respectful work environment for all women.

Learn more about workplace rights at this YouTube video by Webtel:

The Art of Saying ‘NO’

The first step is to understand that you cannot satisfy everyone at all times. If you are not a confident communicator, chances are that you will be taken advantage of at work.  The next time you find yourself struggling to refuse additional tasks, try these instead.

• “I’d love to help, but my hands are full at the moment.”
• “Can we prioritize this task next week instead? I’m working on something more important for this week. ”
• “I need more time to deliver quality work. Let’s discuss a new deadline.”

Prioritize your Precious time

• Schedule dedicated work hours and stick to them as much as possible.
• Utilize productivity tools like the Pomodoro Technique and apps like Notion and Google Calendar to schedule your work and life. 
• Try to identify and focus on the tasks that are important and urgent. You can also segregate your tasks into each column of the Eisen Hower Matrix given below to prioritize them better.

Find Your Tribe

There exists no unspoken or written rule that you have to go through this alone.  Find a mentor or a work bestie who can help you better understand these challenges and navigate them better. 

Support can also come from networking groups, such as the one we have at  Decoding Draupadi where you can find a sense of community and guidance with other women by sharing your experience and learning from each other. 

Balance starts at home: How to set boundaries at home

Let’s be honest, the “second shift” – the unpaid domestic labor that often falls disproportionately on women – can be incredibly demanding. A recent study shows working women in India get only 7–10 hours of rest daily. Here’s how to create a more balanced home life:

Honesty is the Best Policy

Have an open conversation with your partner and other family members about your demanding work-life schedule. Ask directly for more help with household matters and explain why you need some me time. This will help them be better understanding, support systems. 

Normalize Self-Care

There is nothing to feel ashamed or guilty about for taking some time out for yourself. Self-care can range from working out in the gym to even a small cup of chai in the evening. Find a hobby, that is not work but purely just relaxing. 

It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.

Mandy Hale

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate:

Wake up, we are in 2025, there is no shame in delegating your chores. Try to divide your household chores equitably with your partner. If you have children, teach them essential life skills from a young age. If you still feel like you need additional help and have the budget for it, then go for it.

Breaking The Mom Guilt

The Mom Guilt is something that every working mother will understand, despite their area of work and position. Mama earth co-founder Ghazal Alagh openly shared how she tackled working mom guilt by leaning on her family. She missed her son’s first day of school and was feeling like a bad mom.  What helped her was that she had a reliable support system in the form of her family to step in. Her story is a reminder that no one can do it all—and that’s okay.

When you set boundaries, you’re not just creating a healthier life for yourself; you’re also inspiring others. You’re challenging societal norms and paving the way for a more equitable and supportive environment for all women.

Remember, you are worthy of a life that nourishes your soul. You deserve to feel fulfilled, happy, and at peace. So, start setting those boundaries, and watch your life transform.

Setting boundaries is a continuous process. It requires consistent effort, self-compassion, and a willingness to adapt. There will be setbacks, and that’s okay. The key is to keep practicing and celebrating your small victories.