As mentioned in a prior post, Setting Healthy Boundaries, boundaries have many benefits to them being in place. Healthy boundaries can help a relationship thrive and prevent feelings of resentment and disappointment.

Boundaries are rules you have that allow you to obtain what you need and voice what your limits are so those around you will not cross them and in return respect them. Voicing your boundaries is essential to allowing others knowing what they are so that they can respect them. Most of the time, peoples’ boundaries are violated due to others not being aware of what they actually are, and this can cause bumps in a relationship due to the lack of communication. Here are 4 boundaries you can begin to practice:

Physical Boundary

Physical boundaries include your comfort with you personal space, touch, and physical needs. I think of it as a circle around you and observing if an individual is in your circle or not and if they are, gently remind them of your boundary. Another way of looking at physical boundaries is know what your body needs and how comfortable you are with others touching or being close to you.

Emotional Boundary

Emotional boundaries include rules for yourself regarding respect and feelings. This means that understanding what you will tolerate vs does not tolerate is essential to protecting your emotional health. This also includes how you would like to share your emotions and who you are comfortable doing it with.

Mental Boundary

Mental boundaries are being able to feel free with your own values, thoughts and beliefs. Being able to agree to disagree with others and respecting others with how they think without enforcing their beliefs or thoughts onto you is practicing your mental boundary. It is imperative that those around you also respect your values, thoughts and beliefs and that those around you respect the way you think without feeling that they need to change you.

Spiritual Boundary

Spiritual boundaries consist of you being able to practice your spirituality, your beliefs and values without others interfering. Setting up this boundary is essential to being able to determine your own beliefs, practice them and exploring your purpose without worrying about others imposing their thoughts and beliefs onto you. Expressing where your boundary lies and setting up rules for this can protect your spirituality and allow you to stand up for yourself.

Setting boundaries can be challenging but not impossible. It may take some time for those around you to get used to the boundaries you put into place. It is important to communicate these boundaries so that those around you are aware and can begin to process. One way of finding out what boundaries to set is to look at each area and see where you can draw the line to improve your relationships and quality of life.