The American Psychological Association (2018, para. 1) defines a boundary as a “psychological demarcation” that protects individuals and groups by setting “realistic limits in a relationship or activity.”

Boundaries are vital in all relationships, but particularly in work settings, where examples might include (Bush, 2015):

No more than six clients a day
No calls after 7 pm
No work emails on Sunday
No less than four weeks of vacation a year

In our personal and professional lives, boundaries help us honor our natural rhythms, supporting a balance between work and leisure time, and they create the space needed to engage in activities that fill and refresh us (Bush, 2015).

In our relationships with friends, family, and partners, healthy boundaries set expectations “that help you feel safe and comfortable […], mentally and emotionally well, [and when to] say no and when to say yes” (Tawwab, 2021a, p. 3).

Recognizing the signs that appropriate boundaries are not in place is essential. Potential indicators include (Tawwab, 2021a):

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Feeling resentful of people asking for our help

• Avoiding calls and interactions with others in case they ask for something

• Making comments about helping people and not receiving anything in return

• Feeling burned out

• Regularly daydreaming about dropping everything and running away

• Having no time for ourselves