Have You Got Clear Health Boundaries?

This week I am talking about boundaries! If you have ever tried to set boundaries in the past and found the process difficult, you are certainly not alone. Setting them can be a challenge and almost feel like a selfish thing to do, but rest assured; those feelings are perfectly normal. As human beings, we have the desire to want to be liked and not go against the grain, which is why setting boundaries can cause internal tension.

But moving through that tension may be the best thing you do. Because creating boundaries for your health can help to protect and maintain physical and emotional health, allowing you to prioritise your needs, reduce stress and burnout, and enhance relationships with those around you. 

If setting boundaries is new for you, I have put together some examples for physical, emotional, and social health, to provide some context and help to get your inspiration flowing:

1. Physical health 
Screen time is a boundary that can often slip through the net and is an example of how you could support physical health. With the increasing use of technology, having boundaries on social media, email, and other digital devices can make a big difference. Overuse of technology can negatively impact physical health, contributing to issues such as eye strain, poor posture, and a lack of physical activity.

2. Emotional health
An example of supporting emotional health is being honest with those around you to let people know your needs, whether that be with family, friends, or colleagues. When it comes to family, it may be the case that you need an hour a day for you, so you can get out for a walk, take a bath, or go to your chiropractic appointment in peace. If you don't communicate this, the days can soon pass without any time out, creating stress, lowering mood, and putting pressure on relationships.

3. Social health
Saying no can be challenging, but sometimes it is the best thing you can do to protect your health. Let’s take a social engagement as an example. You are invited to a party on a Friday but it doesn’t start until late, and you know when you reach the end of the week, all you will want to do is rest, eat good food, and get an early night. Rather than reluctantly saying yes, being honest by saying no and prioritising your needs will positively influence your health. Once the party is over, you will likely feel proud that you maintained your boundaries.

As you may have noticed, the three areas I have discussed can all interlink and support one another. But by establishing clear boundaries, you can enhance your health, which will positively impact all areas of life. It is never too late to set boundaries, so why not take a moment today to reflect on whether you already have boundaries, or if it is time to create new ones?

I look forward to hearing how you get on!

With love,

Sarah