Our personal boundaries define what we are okay with. Or, another way of looking at it, boundaries are what we feel capable of committing too without overextending ourselves. A person with healthy boundaries can say “no” to some requests, while also being comfortable opening yourself up to vulnerability in relationships.
Benefits of Setting Boundaries
Establishing boundaries is good for you and the people around you. When you’re clear about your boundaries, the people in your world will understand your limits and know what you are and aren’t ok with.
Healthy boundaries can also help you:
- Live into your values
- Get clear with yourself and others on what you need for your well-being
- Support mental health
- Avoid burnout
- Improve communication between yourself and others
Practice Saying “No”
Putting yourself first can be an uncomfortable challenge. However, practicing communicating and setting boundaries can be a valuable skill that helps to establish good relationships, with your loved ones, friends, co-workers, and boss. Boundaries are an important component of self-care. Consider opportunities to say “no, that doesn’t work for me”, or identify an opportunity to reprioritize your “to-do” list to support your well-being, while also honoring your social and work relationships. This might mean saying a firm “no”, or it could mean delegating tasks to others, offering alternatives, or asking to reschedule for another time. There are many ways to set healthy boundaries. Start with some easy, small ones. Then, you might seek support for the bigger ones with the help of a friend, therapist, or HR representative at work.
Written by: Stephanie Anklan, Registered Dietitian
