How to set boundaries and improve your quality of life

Setting strong boundaries can make a huge impact on your quality of life. Setting boundaries is the one skill that we most need to develop in order to create the kind of life we really want. We must learn to set boundaries with our co-workers, our friends , our children and yes, even our spouse. You can teach others how to treat you by setting boundaries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Boundaries are limits we set on how others can treat us or behave around us. We teach people how to treat us based on how strong or weak our boundaries are.
   
   Boundary setting is not about getting other people to change. It's about you deciding what you will and will not tolerate in your life, and then communicating this firmly and consistently.
   
   Setting the right boundaries can eliminate stress and improve mental health.
2. As adults it's important to learn "boundary setting" so we can be a role model for our children.
   
   Your quality of life affects everyone around you and if you do not set boundaries of who, what, where and when things are allowed in your life then your mental health and overall well being will suffer.
   
   ** If you set boundaries now then your children will learn to set them in their own life.
3. No trespassing!
   
   People who have trouble setting boundaries often try to over please people. They put aside their own quality of life to please others. If you are not able to set healthy boundaries, there are consequences.
   
   * Resentment of others and yourself
   * Feeling like you never have time to do anything
   * You feel taken advantage of or unnoticed
   * Depression
   * Tired, fatigue
   * stress
4. Start today!
   
   Boundary setting is like any new skill - you will have to learn the basics, create a plan, decide where you need to set boundaries in your life then follow through and apply those boundaries. In doing this you will improve your quality of life.
   
   Ex. if you decide you want to have one hour to yourself every Sunday then make it happen. Tell others that you do not want to be disturbed during this hour and stick to it. At first people will attempt to intrude and interrupt but if you stick to it they will respect your time.
   
   You will be surprised how much that one hour to yourself will make a difference in your mental health. You will feel recharged and relaxed.
   
   **Depending on your stress level you may need to make it a 2 hour Sunday getaway.