5 Ways to Set Healthy Boundaries

Many of us are juggling multiple demands in our lives – from family, friends, work, health and hobbies. With so many things vying for our time and attention, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Setting boundaries is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your well-being. Boundaries are the physical and emotional limits you choose for yourself in your personal and professional lives. When you set boundaries, you also can experience reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-control, healthier relationships, and enhanced emotional and mental well-being.

Here are five ways to help you set healthy boundaries in your life:

1. Determine an area where you need limits in your life. Choose a small boundary to set and focus on maintaining that limit. Add additional boundaries as you feel comfortable.
2. Communicate what your boundaries are, clearly and directly to avoid confusion. Setting limits can provide balance in your life and avoid burnout from doing too much.
3. Cultivate healthy relationships by implementing mutually agreeable boundaries. Setting healthy boundaries can help you strengthen relationships, avoid unhealthy behaviors and improve your self-esteem and overall well-being.
4. Determine your priorities at work and at home. Focusing on your priorities can give you a sense of accomplishment and help reduce unwanted distractions.
5. Practice saying “no” politely to requests that may overstep a boundary that you have set and communicated. While “saying yes” may be easier, saying “no” is like flexing a muscle – the more you do it, the easier it becomes to protect your boundaries.