A boundary can be considered the imaginary fence that separates you from another person.  Boundaries establishes your physical space, feelings, specific needs, and responsibilities.  If you don’t set healthy limits and boundaries than others may try to take advantage of you.  Our boundaries will let others know how to treat you and what is acceptable and not acceptable.

Setting individual boundaries could help you establish healthy personal limits and rules for your life.

Here are 5 suggestions for setting healthy personal boundaries:

1. Be able to identify your limits – Identify what you are willing to accept and not accept.  Try to be as specific as possible when committing your time and energy to someone or something.   It is okay to say “NO” if needed.  
2. Consider your emotions – Your feelings will never lie to you.  Notice when you are not feeling comfortable with something.  Stop and do a quick check in with yourself and ask yourself, “Am I okay with this” before proceeding forward.  
3. Value yourself- Be sure to value and respect self.  Stop and ask yourself are you valuing self with how you share your time, energy, and resources.   Overextending yourself could put you at risk of your own personal needs not being met.  
4. Consider the Big Picture — Plan 5 minutes each day to do a quiet self-reflection on what went well, what needs to change or require improvement.  Personal self-reflection ensures your boundaries are in a healthy place.
5. Say it in assertive way — It is perfectly okay to respectfully compromise or just say “No” because it is not good.   Actually saying “No” can be a great way to practicing self-care.