We all have heard about them. Some of us have practiced them. Sometimes they feel comfortable and necessary and sometimes they feel impossible to implement. Let’s jump in and talk about healthy boundaries.
What is a healthy boundary?
First let’s define healthy boundaries to get a better understanding of the meaning and concept.
According to divethru.com a healthy boundary can be defined as the following
Setting boundaries means drawing a clear line for what people can and can’t say or do to you so that you don’t get taken advantage of. They’re like an instruction manual for your body and mind, with an extra little “handle with care” section on the first page. You use boundaries to make your own personal growth a priority, improve relationships and conserve emotional energy! Setting healthy boundaries means that you, your values for other people. You stand by your values and, in turn, respect other people’s boundaries. But, it is good to keep your boundaries flexible, because they may change over time if you decide to step out of your comfort zone. Healthy boundaries are in contrast to rigid boundaries where you tend to avoid intimacy and come off as detached. And, porous boundaries, which involve oversharing personal information and having trouble saying “no.’ But it’s totally normal to sometimes take on qualities from all of the above!
So now that we have defined healthy boundaries let’s discuss the different boundaries.
Types of boundaries
- Personal Space: also known as your “bubble.”
- Physical: what you like and don’t like in bed or with casual contact.
- Emotional: your level of comfort with sharing what’s on your mind.
- Material: how much you are willing to share certain things or possessions.
- Time And Energy: how much you are comfortable giving to something or someone.
- Intellectual: the topics you are and aren’t open to talking about (like politics).
Why are boundaries important?
Healthy boundaries are necessary components for self-care. Without boundaries, we feel depleted, taken advantage of, taken for granted, or intruded upon. Whether it’s in work or in our personal relationships, poor boundaries may lead to resentment, hurt, anger, and burnout. As explained in https://www.theresiliencecentre.com.au/boundaries-why-are-they-important/
Examples of ways to practice healthy boundaries
Saying no
Listening to your body
Doing what is in the best interest of you
Walking away from uncomfortable environments
Do self reflection
Make small steps and grow
Be consistent with boundaries
void social media
Be your biggest advocate and supporter
It might take some time and consideration to explore and decide the boundaries most important to you and the best ways to implement them, but your mental health will appreciate the effort in the long run. Begin to implement healthy boundaries in your life today, it’s necessary. Learn more: https://clopanetherapy.com/individual-therapy/.
