When you think of the word boundary, what comes to mind? Boundaries can serve us by setting a line that cannot be crossed. It is important to understand healthy boundaries, especially when in recovery. Boundaries are to protect you and your recovery. All too often, people tend to struggle with incorporating healthy boundaries in recovery due to a vast number of reasons.
If you are struggling with the concept of healthy boundaries, you are not alone. Most people struggle to understand creating boundaries when entering treatment. Perhaps you never had boundaries, to begin with, or you came from a family where boundaries were not respected. Whatever your situation, it is crucial to recognize that setting healthy boundaries is significant to your well-being.
In this article, you will gain knowledge about healthy versus unhealthy boundaries and helpful tips for constructing your boundaries during recovery.
What Are Boundaries?
Boundaries are a set of rules that you create for yourself to create barriers from situations that can cause emotional danger. There are two types of boundaries: internal and external. You should have boundaries in place within each relationship that you have.
External boundaries are what separates you from other people. They are specific guidelines that you have established to determine what is okay and not okay within relationships. External boundaries guide you to understand where you stop and other people start. You may look at them as rules within your life that guide you in how you interact with others.
Internal boundaries are between you and yourself. They define who you are and what you are willing to do or not do and will keep you safe from being manipulated or emotionally taken advantage of. You can think of them as invisible lines within yourself that others are not permitted to cross. When these lines are respected, true recovery will begin to flourish.
Why Are Healthy Boundaries Important?
Your boundaries are based on your values and beliefs. They give you the space to accept and express yourself as you see fit. Boundaries are personal guidelines to communicate your wants and needs to others. They help with creating and maintaining balance within relationships and help strengthen your recovery. Healthy boundaries teach you to protect what is important to you and respect what is important to others.
Benefits of Boundaries
Boundaries give you a healthy space to identify and express what is important to you in your recovery. Take a moment and think about what is important to you in your recovery. Perhaps you need to go to bed at the same time each night. This is an example of an internal boundary. When you think about what is important to you in your recovery, you can create a line and protect what matters to you.
Boundaries have many benefits. They teach self-respect, improve communication, give you a sense of pride, help you learn to say no, help you take responsibility for your actions, and help to establish healthy relationships.
Tips to Create Healthy Boundaries
Take a few minutes and reflect on the boundary you wish to set. Think about how this pertains to your values and beliefs. This will let others know how to treat you and empower you. For example, you only want to work 40 hours per week because you believe that this is a limit that allows you to be your best version of yourself.
Just Say No
Those three words are so simple, yet it can be so challenging to say no. It can be hard to say no because you want to be accepted and liked. However, recognizing that you need to say no at times allows you to put yourself first and recognize your self-worth.
Improve How You Communicate Your Wants and Needs
Establishing boundaries will help you express your wants and needs more effectively in your recovery. Once your boundaries are in place, you need to be assertive when another person crosses them. You need to speak up for yourself. Try to speak with “I” statements; this will focus on your feelings instead of accusing another person.
Respect the Boundaries Set by Others
Respecting someone else’s boundaries is just as important as respecting your own. It does not matter if you agree or not. Show others the respect you desire. Setting healthy boundaries in your recovery may seem strange or uncomfortable at first, but these lines are important for your overall wellness.
Accept Accountability
Remain accountable for your actions. Healthy boundaries are about holding yourself accountable. Choose your support and reach out.
Respecting Your Recovery
This is your time to shine by identifying what works for you. Other people do not have to agree with your boundaries. Most people struggle with setting boundaries. They fear that they will offend others with their boundaries. The opposite is true; boundaries create freedom because they are a sign of respect for yourself and others.
Boundaries are guidelines that define what you believe is permissible within your life. Understanding your values and belief system is crucial to recognizing where you need to establish boundaries. Life can be chaotic; without boundaries, you are setting yourself up for disappointments. You have choices, and you can choose to incorporate healthy boundaries within your daily life. Enforcing your power leads to establishing healthy boundaries for you and gives you the confidence you need to put your needs first. At The Guest House, we know the importance of healthy boundaries and will guide you to being the best version of yourself. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more.