Are you looking for ways to create some more free time for you?
Are you finding yourself spread too thin?
Do you always say “yes” instead of saying “no” at times?
Trust me – if you answered yes to any or all three of these questions, you are like most people. So am I.
In our world today, for some reason, we feel like we need to be everywhere, all of the time. We suffer from serious FOMO (fear of missing out).
So, how do we get over that? By setting boundaries.
Why Boundaries?
Creating boundaries is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and emotional health. Boundaries are limits that you set for yourself and others in your life to maintain your well-being, and they can be physical, emotional, or mental. Establishing boundaries helps you communicate your needs, respect your own limits, and maintain healthy relationships. Let’s repeat that one part – respect for your own limits, aka – respect for yourself.
Not sure how or why boundaries are good for your health? Here are a few reasons why:
Protects Your Mental Health:
Boundaries can help protect your mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. When you have clear boundaries, you’re able to communicate your needs and expectations to others, which helps reduce misunderstandings and conflicts. It also helps you to prioritize your mental health by giving yourself permission to say “no” to things that may be emotionally taxing or draining.
Increases Self-Awareness:
Setting boundaries requires self-reflection and introspection. When you take the time to identify your needs and limits, you become more self-aware, which can help you make better decisions about what you want and need in your life. This, in turn, leads to greater self-esteem and self-confidence, which are essential for good mental health.
Improves Relationships:
Healthy relationships are built on respect and trust. When you set boundaries, you communicate your values and expectations to others, which helps build stronger and more meaningful relationships. Clear boundaries also help you to establish healthy limits and prevent others from taking advantage of you or mistreating you.
Enhances Productivity:
When you have clear boundaries, you’re better able to manage your time and resources. By setting limits on how much work you take on or how much time you spend on certain activities, you’re able to focus on the things that matter most to you. This can lead to increased productivity and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Promotes Physical Health:
Setting boundaries can also have physical health benefits. When you prioritize your own needs and limit the amount of stress and anxiety in your life, you’re less likely to experience physical health problems like headaches, high blood pressure, or stomach issues. By reducing stress, you’re also better able to get restful sleep, which is essential for good health.
Saying no and removing ourselves from overstimulation or too many activities – it is very difficult for us, especially as adults. We can tell children to walk away, take a time out or not to do something if it makes them uncomfortable. As we grow older, we want to make sure that we don’t miss a thing and we put people before ourselves. We lose our sense of boundary making.
You don’t have to go full in by building a wall to keep yourself hidden inside. Start slow by taking stock of what is really wearing you down and what can be eliminated from your schedule so that you can begin to feel more like you. Verbalize to others that you will be cutting back. Make it about you. Let them know that you need to focus on you and what you need to get done for you. It is not about them; it is really all about you.
Setting boundaries is essential for good mental and emotional health. By establishing clear limits, you’re able to prioritize your own needs, communicate your expectations, and build healthier relationships with others. Take the time to reflect on your own needs, start the practice of setting small boundaries for yourself so that you can establish larger and clearer boundaries that support your well-being. Your mental and emotional health will thank you for it!