They can also be psychological, such as asking your spouse to accept that your goals and dreams may not always be the same as theirs. Without healthy boundaries, your relationships can become toxic and unsatisfying and your well-being can suffer. Unhealthy boundaries at work can also follow you home and reduce the quality of your personal life. One study showed that when boundaries are blurred between personal life and work, people experience more emotional exhaustion and less happiness.
On the other hand, setting boundaries, particularly when it comes to job duties, can lead to a greater sense of empowerment. Learning how to set and maintain healthy boundaries can change many aspects of your life, ranging from work to family relations to dating. It all starts with understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy boundaries.
Personal boundaries can come in many forms. However, not every relationship requires you to address every type of boundary. For example, you might need to set physical restrictions with a coworker but not financial ones. Or you could tell a friend that you need to take a rest during a lengthy bike ride.
If a physical space belongs to you, you can set limitations around that as well. You might want to reassess limitations and expectations surrounding things like frequency of sex and contraception use. Emotional boundaries ensure that others are respectful of your emotional well-being and internal comfort level. However, people may intentionally or unintentionally take advantage of your goodwill, and then you may notice your own resentment building.
Other time-related restrictions could include asking a friend to avoid calling you during work hours or asking a partner to delay an important conversation until a more convenient time. This can be especially true in long-term relationships. Communication is important as you reevaluate and revise your boundaries. You want the other person to be clear on the change and the reason behind it.
