How does setting boundaries support your mental health? A boundary is a limit you set for your mental, physical, and emotional wellness. It’s a standard for what you’ll tolerate, and a strategy to protect yourself from others.

All relationships need boundaries to maintain free will and individuality. Without them, we can get sucked into each other’s emotions and identity. This can lead to relying on each other for validation.

1 – Physical Boundaries

Most people set limits on their personal space and belongings like houses or vehicles. We build walls and set up fences for privacy and security. They help us feel safe and relaxed in a familiar environment.

Physical Safety

Physical boundaries also determine how we can be touched or have people close to our bodies. Ask before touching someone, and don’t allow others to touch you in any way that makes you uncomfortable.

Personal Space

Like touching, someone standing too close to us can feel invasive. For example, imagine someone standing too close to you at the grocery store while you’re trying to run your debit card and check out.

Ownership of Belongings

The things we own are extensions of our needs and identity. Everyone should be able to have their own things that no one else uses. Don’t let people borrow your things who break or don’t return them.

2 – Emotional Boundaries

Emotional boundaries guard your feelings, energy, and nervous system. Self-regulation is a vital skill in life, but you also need to reduce unnecessary stress that can cause serious health problems.

Protect Your Energy

You only have a limited amount of time and energy in a day. Prioritize your needs first, and then support others if you want. Avoid making commitments or agreeing to invitations you don’t want. 

Say No Without Guilt

People can feel entitled to getting support from us if they have before. That doesn’t mean you’re required to give in to their demands. Practice saying no to people or situations you’re not aligned with.

Process Your Triggers

We can’t control the world, but we can manage our reaction to it. Analyze your emotional triggers and have a plan for how to handle them. Practice using them to experience and accept your feelings.

3 – Psychological Boundaries

Protect your mind from outside influences, and be mindful of what you consume. Whoever you receive information from can influence your unconscious thoughts and manipulate your beliefs.

Mutual Respect

Respecting someone means caring about their needs, boundaries, and preferences. We don’t try to control them or diminish their self-esteem. We reciprocate by acknowledging their thoughts and feelings.

Types of Criticism

People who respect your boundaries can still offer criticism. If they think sometimes it may hurt you, they’ll say something. But they honor your feelings, opinions, and decisions, and don’t control you.

When someone criticizes you to reinforce their sense of worth by stealing yours, that’s a breach of boundaries. This is especially true if they’re making negative references to your traits or preferences.

Conclusion

Setting healthy boundaries is vital for all types of relationships. They determine your mental, physical, and emotional limits to protect your mind and body. These are limits you set for yourself, not others.

If you’re looking for more ways to support overall mental wellness, read the next article about how to do a mental health check-in.