If you want to have healthy relationships in life, boundaries are crucial. However, setting and sticking to boundaries is a skill that can be difficult for some people to master.
When you set healthy boundaries, it means you understand and know what your limits are. It helps you to improve relationships, become happier and better fulfil your needs. The question is, how can you build better boundaries if it isnโt a skill that comes easy to you? Below, youโll discover some great tips you can follow.
Identify your limits
It will be difficult to set boundaries if you donโt know what they are. Each of us has different limits we are willing to accept. So, start by writing down your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional limits.
Think about what makes you feel stressed and uncomfortable. What are you willing to tolerate and what things are not OK with you? Once you have a list of your limits, youโll have a better idea of the type of boundaries you need to set.
Say no without giving a reason
A great tip for setting better boundaries is to start saying no without providing a reason. Have you noticed that when you want to say no to something, you feel like you need to give an excuse? Often, this leads us to make up an excuse, leaving us feeling guilty afterwards for lying.
Learning to say no without giving a reason is much healthier. You donโt owe anybody an explanation for not wanting to do or accept something. This may be a tough tip to follow, but youโll be surprised how free you feel when you start saying no without explanation.
Give yourself permission
The main things that set us back from creating boundaries are self-doubt, fear, and guilt. It could be that you are worried about the other personโs response. Or maybe you feel like you should be able to cope with doing certain things, so donโt feel comfortable saying no.
Give yourself permission to set boundaries. Realize that setting boundaries is healthy. Not only do boundaries contribute towards better relationships with others, but they also build up your self-worth too.
Step back from toxic relationships
Many of us have a toxic relationship of some kind. Whether itโs an unhealthy relationship with our friends or family, stepping back is one of the best ways to build up boundaries. If a relationship is no longer serving you, taking a step back is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. It is never selfish or cruel to put yourself first in a toxic relationship. If anything, it is necessary for your happiness and wellbeing.
These are some of the best ways to build better boundaries. Once you have firm boundaries in place, your life will be much happier. You will start to feel more empowered and in control of your life. It isnโt just your right to make choices that best serve you, it is also a necessity.
