Healthy Boundaries & Your Mental Health

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Finding ways to improve and maintain mental health is imperative for normal, daily function. One important task that an individual can adapt to promote a positive mindset is setting healthy boundaries. Having realistic boundaries can help reduce risk of developing mental health issues. The aforementioned can also decrease the severity of existing psychological symptoms along with different treatments for mood disorders.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND LET YOUR MIND GO BLANK

If you’re like many working adults, this means you probably have a long, laundry list of never ending tasks, demands and deadlines. Or, you may be dealing with a mood disorder while being bombarded by external triggers and challenges. If either or both of these scenarios are true, it may be helpful to practice extensive self-care and set personal boundaries for yourself.

Several ways you can learn self boundaries is to pace yourself. Give yourself permission to include a moment of rest in your busy schedule; listen to your body and try not to overwhelm yourself with an excessive amount of “chores”. Commit yourself to only the most urgent tasks and save the least important for the next day. Rest is very important and it’s recommended that you get at least 8 hours of sleep a day. Set a specific bedtime schedule every night that allows for at least 6-8 hours of sleep.

There are different treatments for mood disorders that may include mood-stabilizing medication and/or non-pharmacological treatment such as meditation. If medication is needed, you’ll need to see a Psychiatrist and complete a psychiatric evaluation to determine the type of treatment required. In addition to taking medication, you can balance your moods by using meditation. There are a plethora of ways to implement meditation and they include: listening to a favorite song, enjoying a light scent or aroma, or just focusing on the rhythm of your breath.

IT’S OKAY TO SAY “NO”

Any type of relationship – whether platonic or intimate – can have an effect on your mental health. Therefore, it’s important to establish healthy boundaries early on to promote psychological peace of mind. It’s quite understandable if you are a giving person. You are an individual others in your social circle look up to, trust, and contact when a close family member, friend, or child is in trouble. While it is an honor and very noble to have that position, it can also be exhausting and draining if you don’t learn how to say “no” sometimes.

Saying “no” is not a selfish act, but actually a brave one. You’re learning about self and knowing what your limitations are. Are you a work-o-holic that is used to taking your work home? Learn to let work be work, and your home be your place of release and relaxation. Do you have a friend who always contacts you when they’re in trouble? Make a promise to yourself that this time, you’ll let your friend work out their own problems. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a trusted friend or family member for help when needed.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

If you’re finding it hard to set healthy boundaries, talking to a counselor or therapist can help. A Clinical Therapist can provide you a safe space to express therapeutic needs without judgement or biased communication. Contact me today for more info!

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