Have you had to do a colleague’s work beyond your hours? Without healthy boundaries, you may find yourself anxious, stressed, and resentful of the people who put you up to it. Healthy boundaries help you take what you can handle so you don’t spiral into substance abuse and anxiety disorders. Yet setting them is easier said than done. Discover three power tips for setting boundaries without backlash.
1. Be Clear In Your Communication
If you are trying to win the battle against alcohol and other substances, you must be clear with your family, friends, and colleagues about your boundaries. According to research by the North Carolina ABC Commission, 61% of teenage students said peers had the most significant influence on drinking.
Friends can unknowingly enable behavior that makes your substance usage and anxiety worse. They may also pressure you to take part in social activities that trigger anxiety or make you use substances excessively. When you openly discuss your boundaries with friends, you empower them to respect your boundaries and protect your mental well-being.
2. Identify & Avoid Known Triggers
Co-occurring substance abuse and anxiety are triggered by certain events and actions. Take some time to reflect on the moments you spiraled into drug abuse. Which situations, places, or things drove you to the edge? Knowing your triggers can help you distance yourself by placing healthy boundaries between you and the triggers. The point of boundaries is not to avoid problems but to only allow what you can handle at the moment.
3. Learn To Say No
Practice saying no firmly and without guilt when pressured into situations that could compromise your sobriety and peace of mind. Many avoid saying no because they fear their relationships will be compromised. Yet saying no could be the key to better mental stability, less anxiety, and more confidence.
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, saying no is correlated with high EQ, which results in better mental health and job performance. Say no when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. Say no when requests don’t align with your personal goals and interests. Soon, you’ll feel more in control of your life, sobriety, and peace of mind.
Key Takeaway
As the conversation about mental health continues taking hold, it’s essential to know you have a big say on your sobriety and peace of mind. Co-occurring substance abuse and anxiety disorders often get worse because of a lack of healthy boundaries. You have the power and agency to make changes by establishing what’s beyond what you can handle. Learning to communicate and say no clearly is the first step toward recovery and better mental health.
More importantly, let experts help you. Boca Health Center will walk with you through your recovery journey. Drop by today to learn more about how you can succeed in your recovery journey.
