Mental Health Monday - Why setting boundaries is important.

You need to protect yourself.

My research into Empaths and spirituality has got me thinking about how I let others affect me.

Recently I've felt quite overwhelmed, my work place has had a chaotic/negative vibe to it. The big boss is killing morale and some staff members are more annoying than normal. Things are being changed, not for the better and customers in true retail fashion are being unpleasant. 

The things I would normally ignore and brush off are really getting to me. I didn't used to mind going to work. Of course it isn't my dream job or what I see myself doing forever, but as jobs go it was fine. I didn't hate being there. Recently though each day feels like slogging through thick mud. The day drags and every little inconvenience makes me so angry. I'm not the only one. My colleagues are snapping at me, and each other, everyone's patience is running thin. 

There's a lot of negativity in the building and it's getting me down. Starting today I'm going to remember to set my boundaries and not take on the negativity. I won't partake in the moaning or the venting. I'll stay clear of drama and gossip as well. 

I've found that being a part of these things can put me in a bad mood even if I didn't start the day like that. It's almost as if I lower my mood to prepare for the crappy day I expect to have. It's all so draining, by the end of the day I'm exhausted. This effects my motivation to go to the gym or socialise, I also eat badly. Comfort eating. 

I've been letting this group bad mood effect me. I forgot to use my boundaries and let the bad things go.

I need to slow my mind and get back in control of myself. Separate from the chaos that's swirling around at the moment. Something is about to change but I don't need to be caught up in the madness. 

Having boundaries can upset people as it can mean pulling away from conversations and activities. Shutting down negative behaviours and just separating yourself from things that make you angry or sad. Those narcissistic people won't like it at all!

It might seem rude but you don't have to be mean about it. Be polite but don't engage in those conversations. Answer but don't invite more. I like to imagine a bubble around me. Negativity bounces off.

 Good old Ryan...

At the end of the day though you need to look after yourself and your mental health. If that means cutting out the ex that's trying to crawl back into your life under the guise of being friends (ahem) then that's what you have to do. 

I'm taking my own advice. There's no space in my life for toxic people. I'm moving forward to better things.

This goes for everything though. Don't do things you do want to do, if you need a night off from socialising then take it. If you need a nap, have a nap. Take that bubble bath, bubble baths are great. Slow it all down and take it a step at a time. Take care yourselves. You're not alone though if you worry about hurting others by using your boundaries. It's not selfish to put yourself first in these circumstances.

You can't be there for others if you're not in the best place yourself. 

L xx

Follow me on Twitter @Laurenailie0. I would love to hear how you guys deal with negativity in your life. I'm always looking for new coping methods.