What are boundaries? Do you need them? And how are boundaries related to health? And why do you need them? Will boundaries help if you have chronic health issues, autoimmune, or gut health issues?
The definition of boundary according to dictionary.com is a line or limit where one thing ends and another begins or a line that limits acceptable behavior from unacceptable behavior.
Boundaries are simply limits we decide before we need them to protect us. God created them in the Bible because He wanted to protect us and because He loves us. He did this to keep us healthy and bring us life. Boundaries are actually blessings. Not sacrifices. Not something meant as punishment.
For example, if you’re a parent when your children were little and playing outside, you probably told them, “Don’t go into the street.” Why? To prevent them from having fun? No, because you love them and did not want them getting hit by a car.
We also have boundaries when we are driving. We need to stay in our lane, not going back and forth between all the lanes in order to keep order and prevent accidents, right?
Or maybe you are thinking about boundaries regarding your property or where you’re living. You want a boundary so you know what belongs to you, so you can care for it and what is not your responsibility. Or how about in sports? We all know if the ball or the player goes outside the boundary lines, the game stops.
What about in other areas of life? What about in Health and Nutrition?
We have talked about nutrition being something that nourishes us and is not necessarily just the food on our plates – but all other areas where we are feeding our body, mind, and spirit.
Here are Some of My Boundaries for My Health
Time I stop eating – I usually do not eat past 7 pm. Why? Because I know and research shows we actually will sleep better without a full stomach. Digestion of your food for at least 3 – 4 hours before lying down will help you rest better without feeling that pit in your stomach. Have you ever gone to bed after just eating a meal and you just cannot sleep due to that feeling? Stopping eating several hours before bed also helps with gut health, decreasing the risk of having heartburn or reflux symptoms.
Sleep – I go to bed by 10 pm most nights. Why? So I can get enough rest. It’s key. No amount of nutritious food is going to help if you’re not sleeping. Fatigue is one the biggest factors leading to chronic health issues, driving accidents, poor impulse control, poor stress management, anger, and irritability. Eating too late can also cause strange dreams. So protect your sleep time. Guard it.
Goodies or treats – I don’t keep a lot of goodies in my house. Why? Because I know myself. Willpower is not enough, and I will give in to temptation when I’m having a stressful day or feeling sad or frustrated, or hurting in some way. So I protect myself by not keeping these temptations in my home. I try to keep more healthy options, not because I’m perfect but because I’m not. But because I know myself and my flesh, and my weakness is sugar and chocolate – especially when I’m stressed, anxious, or tired.
What I don’t watch – I don’t watch horror movies. I remember plots and details of movies extremely well and replay them in my mind for days and weeks. I do not sleep well if I watch them. So I just don’t do this. My son loves them and tries to get me to watch them. But I’ve tried in the past and know what it does to my mental and emotional health. They’re not worth it.
Who I spend time with – I don’t hang around with many negative people often. You know, those people who always have something that is wrong in their life. I’m not being callous or uncaring. Yes, I have plenty of problems in my life, and I appreciate people who are willing to listen and provide support just like I am for them. But if someone is negative all the time and isn’t trying to do anything to help, that kind of person is so negative that their negativity seems to influence me. And this makes me more negative and melancholy as well so I cannot do that for my mental and emotional health. I simply cannot make them part of my everyday life.
Sundays – My family goes to church on Sundays. Now going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, but I know I need to get fed weekly in a large body of believers. I like being with other believers and knowing I’m not alone. Plus, establishing long-time friendships and serving the church is important for me and the body of Christ – to support others and they can support me when I need it. Now if I am sick, I’m glad I can watch online. But one thing I think the past few years did was trick people into believing watching online or listening to a podcast is a great substitute for congregated worship. It’s good in a pinch, but it’s not the same as being in a group of others worshipping the Lord.
Music I listen to – I don’t listen to certain types of music and instead listen to uplifting music when in the shower or during the day. It lifts my spirit. But songs with cursing or negativity tend to affect my mood. And I need encouragement often during the day especially when I’m having physical or emotional pain.
What about you? Do you have any boundaries? Can you see how having boundaries with what you eat, when you sleep, what you listen to or watch or read, or who you spend time with really does affect your health. If you create some boundaries, they will actually give you freedom and optimal health for the long term.
I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Integrative Nutrition Coach, and help women over 40 who have fatigue, digestive issues (like bloating and constipation), brain fog, weight issues, as well as thyroid and autoimmune problems. I work with you and as a team, we focus on nutrition and lifestyle factors to help you have more energy, think clearer, and fit into those favorite jeans again. You can do this! You just might need some help from someone who’s been there herself and worked with clients – helping guide, support, and encourage you each step of the way. Contact me here to set up a free strategy session to see how we can work together. — Leah Cheshire, NBC-HWC
