Better Boundaries for Better Mental Health?

What would better boundaries do to create better mental health? Would you notice an improvement immediately? Are you worried about causing friction between those you work or live with? Maybe your own mental health has suffered due to a lack of boundaries and that’s why you ended up here reading this article. Maybe you’re aware of a lack of boundaries within the organisation you work for. Or maybe you are looking for information to support colleagues develop their ability to stick to their boundaries rather than shrinking down. It’s no surprise that boundaries are crucial to being able to stay true to yourself. When your boundaries are crossed consistently, it can lead to low feelings of self-worth – and negatively impact your mental wellbeing.

What are boundaries?

In the most simple terms possible – your boundaries are the imaginary lines that you set with other people. They are the set of limits that you have that enable you to decide what is important to you and what your limits are. Boundaries can enable you to protect your feelings, physical space, and to be clear about your wants and needs. This can apply at work, with friends, family and any type of relationship! If your boundaries aren’t being respected or are being abused – your mental wellbeing will suffer. So better boundaries are important for better mental health.

How can you improve yours?

• Define your boundaries clearly
• Reflect on where you are willing to compromise
• Practise asking for what you need
• Be okay with saying no
• Ask for support where needed

What can you do as a team to look after each other to support each other’s boundaries and mental health?

1. Be clear on your own boundaries – communicate them
2. ASK! Ask other people, and be okay if they say no.
3. Be supportive where possible, share the load and continue to communicate in case things change.

Boundaries can be fluid – what you may be able to tolerate can change depending on your workload, life circumstances and current health situation. So continually reflecting, checking in with yourself and others will enable you to empower yourself, and the people around you.

If you are worried about yourself, or someone else’s current level of stress – or aren’t sure if there is something going on – and would like further support:

Get in touch to book an hours strategy session or further mental health training.