Boundaries Matter - Here are some strategies to set healthy ones

Boundaries are safe environments - whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual- we create in order to help ourselves thrive. Setting boundaries can take some time and practice, here are some personal health examples to help you get started.

For 80% of my life; (20% live a little, just don’t blow it)

1. I need seven to eight hours of sleep every night

Remember that sleep is a ‘non-negotiable’ for your body. When you have poor quality sleep your body elevates the production of the secondary stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol then interrupts sleep creating a vicious cycle. Have you noticed you are more likely to get stressed, eat more, drink more and be irritated when your sleep is interrupted?

2. I need a minimum of four alcohol-free nights per week and a minimum of one alcohol-free month per year.

Alcohol is so fun socially and often a way we unwind and connect with others. However, it is also a liver loader and interrupts the quality of your sleep. It is also energy-dense and can lead to fat gain. To reduce our body fat, we need a healthy liver function, it is also our liver that recycles our hormones, so we need to maintain a healthy relationship with this fun toxin.

3. I will be firm in my boundaries within my relationships (ie the way they speak to me or treat me)

Your personal boundaries are where your inner world meets the outer world and each of us has personal needs. Often, we are not clear about where our boundaries lie and may not communicate to others what is and what is not OK for you, so let people in your life know where your comfort zones are. Remember people will repeat in their communication and behaviours what you accept. A good thing to remember and repeat often is ‘when I say no to others, I say yes to myself’.

4. I will not allow my work to rule my life, yet I will give my all while I am at work.

There will always be times when we need to do more due to situations and events that are out of our control. However, remember to review your workload regularly and see if it is sustainable? If it is not sustainable your burnout will arrive one day and with that may come a mental, physical, or emotional cost.

5. I will connect with nature every day

Nature or Vitamin N acts like a salve to your nervous system. Spending time in natural surroundings assists your body to rest and recover from your busy life. So, relax in nature as well as move and play. The doing nothing and opening your senses (smell, feel, sight, sound) to nature reduces stress hormones in your body. Remember to get your daily dose.