ne thing that’s magical for your mental health and that is setting boundaries. This weeks Blog discusses how to set boundaries and the benefits to your mental health and well-being.

Over time what we deem to be “OK”, gets blurred.

On occasions the we are treated or spoken to by work colleagues, friends and even our partners can cause upset, yet the need to do something about this situation may be delayed as you worry about the repercussions, regardless of how this makes you feel on a daily basis.

It’s no secret that I love Brene Brown’s work and her research on boundaries is amazing. (She’s one person I’d love to meet & have on my Dinner Party Wishlist!) Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. She’s funny and shares a deep insights from her research in her many books. Research that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.

Maybe you run your own business and the boundaries around your working hours have become blurred, meaning that you’re trying to juggle work and home life, whilst going the extra mile for your clients..

Whatever your situation is, being mindful that creating boundaries of what’s OK and not OK can have such a powerful effect.

Mini Mission

Join me on a mini Mission. Grab your journal or notebook and consider a situation that is causing upset and worry to you in your life. How does that situation make you feel? Have you thought about setting clear boundaries. Read on for how to resolve the issue.

I’m not as sweet as I used to be, but I’m far more loving”

Brene Brown

They say if you want something doing, ask a busy person! Yet, how often to we feel ourselves saying yes to something when really your head is screaming “no!!”

Why?

When your default setting is to help out, It’s not easy saying no, it makes us feel guilty or judged. . Yet by saying yes, you know that it will be adding more to your plate, causing increased stress, resentment and maybe even a sleepless night or two..

So how do we fix this?

Brene Brown shared her top three tips on how to create your boundaries: (direct quotes)

Make a mantra. I need something to hold on to—literally—during those awkward moments when an ask hangs in the air. So I bought a silver ring that I spin while silently repeating, “Choose discomfort over resentment.” My mantra reminds me that I’m making a choice that’s critical for my well-being—even if it’s not easy.

Keep a resentment journal. Whenever I’m marching around muttering cuss words under my breath, I grab what I lovingly refer to as my Damn It! Diary and write down what’s going on. I’ve noticed that I’m most resentful when I’m tired and overwhelmed— i.e. not setting boundaries.

Rehearse. I’ll often say, to no one in particular, “I can’t take that on” or “My plate is full.” Like many worthwhile endeavours, boundary setting is a practice.

I find this really powerful and wonder if you do too?

Like a candle or rose petal, our wellbeing and mental health is delicate, something that should be treasured. If looked after well, it will give you years of joy and happiness. If you fail to look after the little things, setting boundaries, being kind to yourself, then they will in turn become bigger things and eventually your mental health and well being will suffer.

I’d love to know your thoughts about this one thing that’s magical for your mental health. Will you be joining me in this Mission of setting boundaries? Let me know in the comments below.

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With love