Boundaries and how they safeguard your mental health. What do we mean by setting them up and how is it related to mental health? Come let’s explore more!
So, what are boundaries?
Boundaries are the set of hard limits or rules that an individual establishes to protect themselves. It is a way to safeguard our personal space and peace which can be hampered by others. You can call them invisible lines or the barbwires (they can call them anything that you want) beyond which no one is allowed to enter. They are a set of hard limits that people set to protect themselves from getting hurt or dejected.
Why are they necessary?
You might like to help people or you might not but certain situations are more demanding. They may ask more of you be it to invest more time and energy or to do things which you might not want to. In all of this, you might find yourself emotionally drained and exhausted. Here comes the beauty of boundaries, putting boundaries with people or in general ensures that you are taking on as much as you can and beyond which you will draw a line and stop.
Healthy boundaries as professionals call them are integral for the emotional and physical well-being of an individual. They help preserve the sanctity of your mental health.
How boundaries might look like?
- Saying ‘no’ when you are unable to do a task
- Accepting when people don’t agree with your opinions, values, or ideas
- By not giving in to pressure be it from your friends, families or peers
- By letting people know when they are invading your personal space
- Acknowledging that there are certain things that you would not like to share with others
- By wanting to keep your finances private
- Not opening up about certain aspects of your life
How to set boundaries?
1) Don’t feel guilty-
Setting up boundaries might seem like an alien concept to a lot of people. Simply because they grew up without knowing about such things. Gradually you might realise the importance of having good mental health and putting up such limits might make sense then. Do not feel guilty for looking after your needs and be open about them.
2) Be self-aware
Before setting up boundaries that you want others to adhere you have to practise self-awareness. Be aware of how informed are you of your needs and wants and set goals accordingly. know your limits and then set your limits in that order. Be aware of why you might need limits in your life.
3) Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’
What works for you works and let go of what doesn’t. More than that do not be afraid of saying no to people. Some tasks are emotionally taxing and you might not feel comfortable doing them. In those cases, don’t be afraid to say no to those tasks. Politely let them them know how helping them out is not possible for you at the moment.
4) Be consistent
Be consistent with the hard limits that you set be it external or internal. Practise setting up healthy boundaries and keep practising them. If you are not consistent with them, it will give others the scope to abuse them. They will not respect your limits if you are not being consistent with them.
While boundaries may be good but being over-rigid on them may also harm you. know which limits to enforce and which to let go of. After all the ultimate goal is to improve your quality of life and safeguard your mental health. So, go ahead and set those healthy boundaries.
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