She Strengthens

Protecting Your Well-being: The Importance of Setting Boundaries During the Pandemic

As we navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, establishing and maintaining personal boundaries has become more crucial than ever. With the rise of COVID-19 cases, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being by communicating your comfort levels and expectations to others.

Why Clear Communication Matters

Staying indoors and limiting social interactions may have reduced your anxiety around COVID-19, but it’s shocking to discover that others may not be taking the same precautions. This highlights the need for open and direct communication, especially with close family and friends who may have different ideas about what constitutes “being careful.” By setting boundaries and discussing your concerns, you can alleviate anxiety, plan ahead, and reduce the risk of viral spread.

Defining Your Comfort Zone

To establish effective boundaries, start by making a list of what you’re comfortable doing and what gives you anxiety. Be honest about what you think is safe or unsafe, and consider factors like group activities, outdoor gatherings, and social distancing. Writing down your boundaries can help you remember what works and what doesn’t when faced with social invitations.

Assessing Risk and Planning Ahead

Before accepting social invitations, conduct your own risk assessment and consider the following questions:

• Will everyone be getting tested beforehand, isolating, and only coming if negative?
• Will we all be wearing masks and distancing?
• How many people have you been seeing?
• What about the other folks invited?

Communicating Your Boundaries

When discussing your boundaries with others, be clear and direct about what you’re comfortable with. Here are some examples:

• For family gatherings: “I’m not comfortable being inside with so many people right now, even if we’re all wearing masks.”
• For friend hangouts: “I’m fine with being outdoors with X number of people, if we’re all wearing masks.”
• For roommate conversations: “COVID cases are still really bad now. Can we make sure we’re not having people over our apartment, and only seeing people outdoors and in masks?”

Respecting Others’ Boundaries

Remember that boundaries are a two-way street. When someone sets a boundary, respect it and avoid being confrontational. Instead, focus on finding common ground and accommodating their concerns. Here are some examples of how to respond:

• If someone’s concerned about safety in a small gathering: “We’re only having X number of people, everyone will be required to wear masks and distance. It will happen outside and we’ll ask people not to gather in indoor spaces!”
• If someone asks a general question about boundaries: “I’ve only been around X number of people recently and only outdoors, otherwise I’ve been isolating and social distancing. I’m only comfortable with __. Is that similar to your boundaries?”

Adapting and Resetting Boundaries

It’s essential to be flexible and adapt your boundaries as needed. If you don’t trust someone or they’ve displayed concerning behavior, it’s okay to start with tighter boundaries before loosening them. Remember, you can’t control others, but you can control your own actions and prioritize your safety.

By setting and communicating your boundaries, you’re taking a crucial step in protecting your well-being during the pandemic. Focus on what you can control, and try to ask others to respect your boundaries. With time and practice, you’ll become more confident in asserting your needs and making informed decisions about your safety.