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Setting Boundaries Makes Your Life Better In These 4 Ways

Setting Boundaries Makes Your Life Better In These 4 Ways

Last updated on: July 23, 2023 at 10:31 am by Sarah Leadon

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Setting Boundaries Makes Your Life Better In These 4 Ways 2023-07-23T10:31:47-04:00 Sarah Leadon

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A picture of a boundary trail to inspire setting boundaries.

Kevin Butz/Unsplash Setting boundaries

Setting boundaries is something that we all struggle with. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you come from, or what you believe in. Everyone struggles to create boundaries even though they are so essential.

While I will admit it isn’t not the most fun activity, boundaries make life easier. But before we get to how boundaries positively impact your life, let’s define the word boundary.

What Does Setting Boundaries Mean

Defining the word boundary is difficult since it has different meanings. For example, it can be setting a goal and seeing it through to the end. ‘

A boundary can be described as identifying nonexistent or unhealthy boundaries. Setting a boundary can also mean learning to say no to tasks you know you cannot perform.

The dictionary defines the word boundary as something that implies a limiting or bounding line. I like to think of boundaries as defining your frontier.

When you set boundaries, you are defining your space, determining what you are and aren’t comfortable with. You also get to decide how to respond when people do not understand or respect your boundaries and what to do when they have crossed the line.

What Does The Bible Say About Setting Boundaries

No relationship exists without boundaries. That’s why the Bible encourages us to set healthy boundaries.

Proverbs 25:17 says to let your feet rarely be in your neighbor’s home, or he will get sick of you and hate you. In other words, don’t show up at your neighbor’s house uninvited. This is a boundary, and after you’ve crossed the line so many times, your neighbor will become tired of you.

Proverbs 25:17 also applies to relationships. They are just like a home. They take a lot of time and care to build a solid foundation. If you continue to cross the other person’s boundaries, it is just like showing up to their house uninvited all the time. Eventually, the other person will get tired of their boundaries being disrespected, and the relationship may cease to exist.

Acts 17:26 says He created every nation from one man to inhabit the earth, having chosen the boundaries where they reside. God created these boundaries so that we can serve him.

As Christians, developing boundaries helps develop discernment and prevents us from falling for anything. For example, if you recently became saved, but your friends did not, and they keep inviting you to go out and party. You may tell them you’ve chosen to follow God and can’t drink and party anymore.

With this in mind, you set new boundaries, such as going to a spa or dinner and a movie instead of going to the club. But they keep crossing your boundaries. After a while, you may find that it is time to change the people you hang around because it affects how you serve God. Ultimately, personal boundaries will help us serve God better.

Philippians 4:8 says whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise, we should ponder on these things. Boundaries are true, pure, and honorable.

Creating boundaries requires a level of self-honesty. You are determining your limits, what you will and won’t take, as well as the consequences of the lines being crossed. Your intentions must be pure and honorable if you want to set effective boundaries.

Boundaries are also lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Boundaries are all about discovery. They allow you to explore your limits and learn how to protect yourself while honoring your relationship with God and the people around you. They are also a form of self-love and respect.

An aerial shoot of farmland divided into set boundaries

Annie Spratt/Unsplash Setting boundaries

Benefits Of Setting Boundaries

Boundaries are a positive thing. Many people believe they are negative because they involve sticking to your word. However, boundaries can only make your life better.

Self Discovery

Setting boundaries helps you figure out who you are. Boundary setting helps you uncover what you want and define your values and beliefs. Your core values and beliefs shape who you are as an individual.

Boundaries also teach us to have self-compassion. When we set boundaries, we develop lines that protect us against negative experiences that may trigger shame or resentment.

Prevents Burnout

Burnout is the condition of being mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. Burnout can be caused by chronic stress.

For example, if you are so stressed that activities that usually make you happy no longer bring you joy, you are burnt out. If you feel hopeless, can’t focus on tasks, or do not care about the things that are important to you are suffering from burnout.

Boundaries can prevent burnout. For example, I work from home. I used to struggle with setting work hours. I would accept every project that came my way. This would lead me to stay up all night and day trying to finish projects.

However, after I finally admitted to myself that I was burnt out, I stopped taking every project. I set work hours. Although I am still working on cutting my work hours down, I go to bed at a reasonable time every night. Plus, the biggest benefit of setting this boundary is that I only choose projects that I am genuinely interested in.

Boost Mental Health

Boundaries keep us safe from mental harm. Unfortunately, some people will try to manipulate or verbally abuse us. Boundaries help us to be clear about the kind of behavior we will and won’t accept.

When we fail to set boundaries, we get stuck in the should haves. I should have spoken up. I should have said no. I should have walked away.

Ruminating on the should haves will only make you feel worse about not having boundaries. In contrast, when we set boundaries, we protect our peace and mental health.

Develops Healthy Relationships

Creating boundaries helps create space for healthy relationships. Boundaries make it easier to say no to people or the things that serve no purpose in your life.

Saying no, this is a boundary you cannot cross sets the tone for a healthy relationship. Those that do not accept or respect your boundaries will eventually fade out of your life. This, in turn, creates room for people who positively affect your life.

Setting boundaries helps you become a healthier, happier you. By defining the lines of acceptance and non-acceptance, you create healthy relationships and boost your mental health. You’ll also discover who you are and prevent burnout. Creating healthy boundaries brings freedom which makes life worth living.

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