Setting Healthy Boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries is never an easy task, and it can be difficult to figure out where to start. While setting healthy boundaries is a crucial component to having positive relationships it is also an important aspect of self-care. Setting healthy boundaries allows for you to prioritize your own needs which contributes to a better state of overall mental, emotional, and physical health. By setting healthy boundaries, you create space which can be used to nurture your mind. This contributes to decreased stress levels and lowers your risk of burn-out. But how do you set healthy boundaries? Consider incorporating the following steps into your own life so that you can start setting healthy boundaries with those around you.

Set Goals

Before you begin, think about goals you have surrounding boundaries. Ask yourself questions such as “What do I want to achieve by setting this boundary?”. This will help you in identifying what you want to accomplish and the boundaries you want to set.

Start Small

Setting boundaries can be an overwhelming and uncomfortable task, so start small. This will help you focus on the boundary you are trying to set without becoming overwhelmed. As you become comfortable with that boundary then try incorporating a new one. 

Be Clear

When setting boundaries, you want to make sure you are as clear as possible. This will help other people understand where you draw the line and it will help you to be consistent in your boundaries. This ensures that you build strong boundaries to lessen the risk of your needs being compromised. 

Practice 

Practice makes perfect, especially when the task at hand seems intimidating. It is normal to feel nervous when you think about setting a new boundary. Try writing it down and reading it back to yourself to help you prepare in stating your boundary. You could even practice saying it to someone you feel comfortable with beforehand. 

Keep it Simple

Try not to overload your boundary with too many details, this can make it more difficult to be consistent. Instead, focus on the main aspect which you identified in your goals and stick with that. This will ensure that you are focused on your specific boundary and creates less room for gray area.

While setting boundaries can be intimidating, you deserve to have your needs met. As we navigate through the month of February dedicate some time to self-care by establishing a new boundary. You deserve it!  

• Written by Joanna Simms, Undergraduate Intern