Do you struggle with interpersonal boundaries? If so, you’re not alone. Many people grew up in homes where healthy boundaries weren’t honored. Keep it simple: Think of healthy interpersonal boundaries as keeping the good things in and the bad things out. Nobody navigates boundaries perfectly, but there are effective strategies to help you establish and maintain them. Read on for several.
1. Face Your Issues
It’s crucial to identify and deal with your obstacles to healthy boundaries. Are there situations or people in your life that infringe on your living happily and satisfyingly? List them. Rank them in order of importance. You might be facing an immediate situation that calls for support and guidance. Not sure where to turn? Do a search using terms such as unplanned pregnancy California to find someone who can assist you.
2. Gather Your Resources
As knowledge and know-how about boundaries have increased, so have free or low-cost resources become widely available. The online knowledge base by boundaries specialists such as Henry Cloud is valuable for many people. Also, a great deal of web and print material related to codependency is relevant.
3. Gather Your Support Group
Think of the people in your life who have healthy interpersonal boundaries and you enjoy spending time with. Prioritize being with them. Their way of relating will be a good model for you, and you’ll gain new strategies to try. Chances are, you’ll naturally (and appropriately) emulate their behavior. Conversely, limit your time with people who have significant dysfunction in this area.
4. Take Care Of Your Health
If you’ve not been honoring your boundaries, you may be experiencing stress-related health issues. Feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or resentment can set the “fight-or-flight” response into motion, taxing your body and its ability to rest and repair. Reverse that situation as soon as possible. Make self-care a non-negotiable. Get a checkup to rule out serious issues, and get treatment if needed. Eat nutritiously, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly.
5. Focus On Joy
Consider the good things and people you want to keep close to you as you honor your boundaries. Think of your good life as a garden that you can cultivate and enjoy. The more you focus on joyful, nourishing people and experiences, the less time you’ll have for depletion.
Improving your boundaries makes space for more serenity in your life. Give these tips a try to boost the health of your relationships.
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