Boundaries are about setting personal limits and is essential for building & maintaining healthy relationships!
Are you not sure about how to create boundaries? Or effectively uphold existing ones? Here is a great way to help you look at ways to improve your boundaries!
To successfully introduce and set boundaries, it’s key to understand why they’re each important to you and how they will benefit your emotional well-being.
One way to better understand boundaries is to take time to do some self reflection when you are in a situation that feels uncomfortable. When events happen, it is critical to think about why something is making you feel uncomfortable or "off."
Boundaries tend to become easier to set the more you practice and implement as well as the more you identify your personal areas that need attention.
START SMALL
It often feels uncomfortable if boundary-setting is new to you. People can feel guilt or uncertainty and it is important that you move forward at a comfortable pace so you can make the changes you need.
SET BOUNDARIES EARLY
By setting boundaries and expectations from the very beginning, everyone knows where they stand, and feelings of hurt, confusion, and frustration can be lessened.
BE CONSISTENT
Letting boundaries slide can be confusing for both you and the person the boundary is for! Consistency helps to reinforce your threshold and beliefs and maintains the lines are clear.
CREATE A FRAMEWORK
Boundaries can vary depending on the type of relationship. Pay attention to how you feel around different people in sharing your space or information. Expectations are a significant piece of setting boundaries. Think of it as a baseline. Different people or different circumstances might require modifications or adjustments to the boundaries you previously set. When you set boundaries, it help you to feel EMPOWERED! You are setting aside space and communicating clearly what is important to you!
What about communication?
Communication is critical in the world of boundaries, especially if someone consistently oversteps yours. While you might need to raise your concerns, these discussions need not be confrontational. Practicing how you communicate is a big key in navigating your boundaries!
It is also important to recognize the boundaries of others
In addition to setting your own boundaries, it’s important to appreciate those of others, too — even if they’re different from your own. If you or others are repeatedly violating boundaries can breed resentment and contempt, and cause people to withdraw. So how we communicate, and especially communicate boundaries, are very important!
Boundaries are essential for various reasons and look different to everyone. Don’t feel guilty about setting boundaries. They’re essentially a form of self-care. It might take some time and consideration to decipher the boundaries most important to you and the best ways to implement them, but your mental well-being will appreciate the effort in the long run.
This book by Dr. Henry Cloud is a popular one that make boundaries easy! Grab your Boundaries Book HERE to learn more!
------------------>Let me know! Where do you struggle with boundaries?
If you're a mom, chances are you MAY be familiar with the concept of boundaries.
Although, I am actually not as surprised to learn that many people grew up without really knowing much about boundaries and how to best implement them.
In case that is you, let's start defining what a boundary is!
A boundary is simply a line that you draw in the sand, so to speak, that delineates what you will and will not tolerate. For example, you may have a boundary with your kids that says you will not tolerate hitting. Or, you may have a boundary with your spouse that says you need at least 30 minutes of alone time every day.
One way that I define a boundary is that if you feel "icky" or unsettled, then a boundary has been crossed. Likely, it was not set or clear to even know that would be ok or not.
The thing about boundaries is that they are incredibly powerful. Not only do they help to keep us safe and healthy, but they also help to maintain our relationships. After all, it's hard to be close to someone if we don't feel like we can be ourselves around them. So today, let's talk about the power of boundaries and how they can help us to achieve mental wellness.
Why Boundaries are Important
One of the main reasons why boundaries are so important is because they help us to stay healthy both physically and emotionally. For example, let's say you have a boundary with your boss that says you will not work more than 40 hours per week. This boundary ensures that you have time for your family and friends, time to pursue your hobbies, and time to take care of yourself. Without this boundary, it would be all too easy to get caught up in work and neglect the other important areas of your life.
Another reason why boundaries are important is because they help us to nurture our relationships. Think about it—would you rather be friends with someone who is always available 24/7 or someone who has healthy boundaries? Chances are, you would rather be friends with someone who has healthy boundaries because they respect your time and space. And when we feel respected by others, we are more likely to feel close to them.
Finally, boundaries are important because they help us to achieve mental wellness. When we have clear boundaries, we know our limits and we are less likely to put ourselves in situations that are harmful or stressful. This can go a long way in reducing anxiety and promoting peace of mind.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain exhausted, it may be time to set some boundaries. Boundaries are powerful tools that can help us to stay healthy physically and emotionally while also nurturing our relationships. So don't be afraid to set some limits—your mental wellness will thank you for it!
