Boundaries; it’s where you can take a step back, to put an invisible wall up to set your limits that you aren’t wanting to cross. Putting boundaries in place can be a difficult thing. It can create uncomfortable conversations that you may not want to have but you know you should, and it can feel like you are straying away from who you are as a person.
Overtime, the more you do it, the easier it is to put boundaries in place, to speak up and to put your own happiness before others. This doesn’t mean that you don’t want happiness for others, but it means that you put your wellbeing first. Creating boundaries can help you maintain healthy relationships, to reducing burnout and stress and so much more.
You can still support and be there for your family and friends in their time of need and be there in their happiest moments but it’s knowing your limits and giving yourself some grace. It’s when you know when to take time for yourself and it can take time to realise how important it is to create boundaries.
Setting boundaries for yourself;
Speaking up doesn’t always come naturally for everyone and it can take time to get used to and that’s ok! Speaking up allows you to advocate for yourself, to get your needs across and to be transparent with yourself and others. Start small by listening to your mind and body, know when you need space and when you become uncomfortable with something. It could be as simple as saying you need to leave an event early.
Following through with boundaries is important for looking after your wellbeing. It shows that you mean what you say, that your boundaries are non-negotiable and that you will actually stick to them. The longer you stick with your boundaries, the easier they will become to start creating healthier habits. Over time, you’ll feel more comfortable and in control of your wants and needs.
Self-care goes hand in hand with creating boundaries. It allows yourself self-compassion, time to relax and to start putting yourself first. Self-care allows you to work out what is best for you and it doesn’t have to be anything big to be considered as self-care. It can be anything from taking a day off when life gets busy or saying no to going to the after-work meal. It means allowing time to yourself, where you can look after your wellbeing.
It can take time to get comfortable with setting boundaries and sometimes it can be awkward. In the end, it’ll have long term benefits for your wellbeing and after some time, you’ll get used to it and come naturally to you.
Remember to reach out for support if you need help with sticking to the boundaries and it’s important to make sure that you are in a safe position to set these boundaries. Make sure that you aren’t going to get yourself in a sticky situation by setting a boundary with someone.