Not Exercise, Not Meditation: Scientists Say This Skill Is Important For Good Mental Health

Maintaining good mental health is as important to overall well-being as staying physically healthy. In fact, the interactions between physical and mental health mean that many of the stressors of modern life can affect us both mentally and physically. At the same time, some of the steps we can take to stay physically healthy like eating a balanced diet and staying active can improve both the physical and mental realms. Experts recommend things like journaling and meditation to boost mental health, but another skill, setting clear boundaries, can also bring benefits.

In the context of mental health, boundaries are limits that we set for ourselves and others. Boundaries exist in the physical realm, in language, in relationships, and even in the workplace. For example, people may not feel comfortable hugging someone they just met, refuse to be spoken to in a certain way by colleagues, or make a habit of not answering work-related messages outside of normal business hours. Boundaries serve to protect our health and well-being in several ways and give guidance to others on how we want to be treated. Figuring out where to set boundaries and how to enforce them can be challenging and requires thought, consideration, and clear communication.

The kinds of boundaries people set vary from person to person. For instance, some people may be more comfortable with physical touch than others. Boundaries also differ among relationships and situations. What might be acceptable from a close friend would be crossing the line for a boss or co-worker. So the first step in setting boundaries is defining what your boundaries are.

There are several questions people can ask themselves that can help them define boundaries. For example, determining which relationships cause stress, whether you feel mistreated, or if you are attempting to control someone else's emotions or behavior can be helpful. Sometimes this could mean trusting a gut feeling, while other decisions may take more consideration. Taking responsibility for the emotions of someone else, whether done consciously or unconsciously, can lead to stress and anxiety. Identifying what brings joy and purpose and what causes you distress can also help clarify where to set boundaries.

Over time having healthy boundaries can decrease stress and anxiety, improving mental health. However, establishing boundaries can take a lot of work, and enforcing boundaries takes energy and can make you feel uncomfortable, at least at first.

Boundaries are how we show others the way to interact with us. They help protect emotional well-being and things like work-life balance and even our physical safety. But a boundary that is unenforced may as well not exist. The first step in enforcing boundaries is clearly communicating what our boundaries are. It can be difficult to guess what someone's boundaries might be, so establishing them up front can help build healthy and happy relationships in all aspects of our lives. At work this can be as simple as putting your regular work hours in your email signature or asking a supervisor about expectations on how work should be done.

However, setting boundaries can sometimes be challenging. Setting a boundary is essentially saying no, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable. This can be especially true when dealing with someone who may not respond well to being told no. In extreme cases maintaining boundaries may involve finding a different job or not talking to a person who doesn't respect those boundaries. But over time, and with practice, setting boundaries can be something people become more comfortable with. In addition, setting boundaries can show how important it is to respect those of others. This can help build an environment of clear communication and respect that can be beneficial for your mental health and help keep your relationships healthy.