<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhy do we find it so hard to set and maintain healthy boundaries?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The root cause is fear: of rejection or disappointing others. It stems from past hurts and leads to people-pleasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People-pleasing has little benefit and only drains you. You can’t help others if you don’t first take care of yourself. Healthy boundaries are essential for your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people think that peer pressure is something teenagers are vulnerable to, but it follows throughout our lives. We always feel the pressure to perform and conform. For example, even though you know you need to rest and get enough sleep, society defines success by how busy you are and how late you stay up. As if fatigue has become a status symbol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These expectations lead to guilt when you leave events early and prioritise sleep. People think you don’t have a life <\/em>because you like to stay in with the dogs and read a book. Shopaholics think you’re weird for preferring online shopping. People show puzzled looks when you try to explain why you enjoy being out in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPeople are different, and that’s okay. But you have the right to live your life your way. Next, we look at how to set boundaries in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n