10 Types of Boundaries Everyone Needs to Protect Their Mental Health

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If there’s one golden rule I would give anyone on a healing journey, it’s this: your peace begins with boundaries. While we can’t control how others behave, we can control how much access they have to us and how deeply they impact our lives. With the right boundaries, you can protect your mental health and emotional energy, while also giving yourself the space to heal, learn and grow from toxic situations and relationships. Boundaries are (literally and figuratively) the door to change and transformation but many people avoid opening it because setting boundaries ,and staying firm in them, can be incredibly difficult. Most importantly, it’s absolutely possible and with the right strategies and support, you’ll be well on your way to putting up the kind of walls that are actually healthy for you.  So whether you’re struggling with setting personal boundaries with friends, family, coworkers, or even social media or your finances, understanding the different types of boundaries, and how to set them, is the first step towards protecting your peace and improving your mental health. 

What Are Personal Boundaries? 

Personal boundaries define what we’re comfortable with, what we’ll tolerate and where we need space, in all areas of our life.

They’re invisible but vital limits you set to protect your emotional, mental and physical health. They define what you accept, what you absolutely will not put up with and how you navigate your relationships. They shape how you operate and move through life, making them absolutely crucial for protecting your peace and mental health. 

However, there’s a common misconception that setting boundaries is about shutting people out or being “difficult.” Chances are, the person telling you this is the perfect example of who, where and when to set boundaries but I digress—boundaries are not a bad thing. They aren’t about anyone else or for anyone else. They’re there for you, for your peace, your mental health and for the people you love and protect (such as your children).  

For example, an example of setting a personal boundary might be choosing to not talk about something until you’re ready to (and not accepting pressure to do so before you’re ready) or simply saying no without having to over-explain yourself. It could be choosing not to answer your work emails after you clock out or discontinuing family traditions that do not feel good. 

Types of Boundaries (And Why Each One Matters)

Having a clear understanding of the types of boundaries is the first step to setting ones that actually work for you. Each type serves a different purpose but all are essential for protecting your peace and building healthy relationships, whether with others or yourself.

Personal boundaries can also be applied to pretty much everything in your life, and not all are created equal. There are different types of boundaries for different situations and circumstances. For example, the most common types of boundaries people set are: 

• Relationship boundaries help maintain mutual respect and emotional safety.
• Workplace boundaries protect your professional time, energy, and self-worth.
• Emotional boundaries help you avoid taking on other people’s feelings or emotional burdens, and ensure your own feelings are respected.
• Physical boundaries refer to your personal space, physical touch, and privacy. 
• Time boundaries help you prioritize your time and energy, and prevent burnout (often blend with work boundaries and family life)
• Digital boundaries help you protect your online presence, screen time, and interactions.
• Sexual boundaries define your comfort with intimacy, consent, and personal touch. 

The Different Degrees of Boundaries

Boundaries are as much about what you set as they are about how firmly you hold them. Most people fall somewhere on a spectrum between having rigid, porous or healthy boundaries, and that can vary depending on the individual boundary, relationship or context. Knowing this allows you to take a look at your own personal experiences and relationships, and see how strong your boundaries are. You might even find that you’re in desperate need of various types of boundaries in areas you didn’t even know existed. 

10 Types of Boundaries to Protect Your Mental Health and Inner Peace

There comes a point in your healing journey where you stop asking, “Why do they treat me this way?” and start asking, “Why did I keep letting them?”

That’s the turning point. The shift. The moment boundaries go from being this abstract self-help buzzword to becoming your personal blueprint for peace.

Whether you’re untangling yourself from a toxic relationship, crawling out of burnout or simply trying to breathe without feeling like everyone needs something from you, personal boundaries are how you come back to yourself.  But here’s the thing most of us were never taught: there isn’t just one kind of boundary. There are many. And each one serves a purpose in helping you honour who you are and how you want to feel at work, in love, online and everywhere in between.

1. Emotional Boundaries (Protecting your emotions)

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling like the life was sucked out of you or like you were carrying someone else’s sadness, anger, or anxiety, you’ve experienced a brushed up against your emotional boundaries. 

Emotional boundaries are the energetic buffer between your feelings and the emotional noise of the world around you. They help you stop absorbing everyone’s drama, moods or expectations like an emotional sponge. Instead, they empower you to feel your own feelings and protect them without feeling guilty or being manipulated into emotional overdrive. They help you separate your emotions from someone else’s, so you’re not constantly absorbing other people’s stress, anger, or expectations as your own.

Here’s what emotional boundaries might look like in real life:

• Not internalizing other people’s moods.
  Your friend is upset? You can be supportive without becoming their emotional dumping ground. 

• Saying, “This topic feels too heavy for me right now.”
  You’re allowed to excuse yourself from conversations that leave you feeling emotionally raw. That doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you self-aware.

• Not being guilt-tripped into overextending yourself.
  If someone says, “But I need you,” but you need rest, you can honour that voice. 

• Choosing not to open up to people who haven’t earned your vulnerability.
  Emotional intimacy is earned, not owed. 

Bonus Tip: Visualize an invisible emotional “bubble” or orb around you when you’re interacting with people who rub up against your emotional boundaries. This bubble protects you from other’s energy and emotions. You can still respond and interact with this person and the other person’s emotional state, but without absorbing—it bounces off of your bubble or orb.

Need a little grounding when emotions run high? Try a discreet tool like our fidget rings.

2. Physical Boundaries (Listening to What Your Body Is Telling You)

These are some of the most obvious boundaries we have (think personal space, touch, rest), yet they’re also among the most casually dismissed, especially by those closest to us. Whether it’s unwanted hugs, pushing past your energy limits, or simply not having space to breathe, physical boundaries protect your body’s right to feel safe, respected, and at ease. And yes, they matter just as much as emotional ones.

At their simplest, physical boundaries define what feels physically safe and comfortable for you. That includes who’s allowed in your personal space, how much touch you’re okay with and even how much physical energy you have to give on any given day. It’s about respecting your nervous system, your energy levels, your limits and your gut instincts.

Here’s what healthy physical boundaries might look like:

• Declining a hug or handshake—even from someone you love.
  Try “I’m not a hugger” or “I need a little space right now” is a full sentence. You don’t need to justify it.

• Needing time alone after being around people all day.
  Whether it’s decompressing in silence or taking a walk alone, it’s about respecting and listening to your needs.

• Not sharing your space or belongings without consent.
  Your bed, your clothes, your safe zone; t’s okay to ask that others treat your things with the same respect you do.

• Saying no to physical exertion when you’re depleted.
  Maybe you skip a workout. Maybe you leave a crowded party early. Maybe you just rest. Your worth isn’t measured by how much you push through.

And here’s the beautiful thing about personal boundaries: you don’t need anyone else’s permission to be valid. If something feels like too much for you, that’s reason enough. It’s a non-negotiable.

3. Sexual Boundaries (Your Body, Your Rules, Always)

Of all the types of boundaries, sexual boundaries are among the most personal and the most powerful. These relationship boundaries define what you’re comfortable with in intimate situations, physically, emotionally, and verbally. And let’s be clear: they’re also not up for debate.

Sexual boundaries are about safety, consent and confidence. They protect your body and your self-worth, as well as your emotional and physical health. They about your terms, your timing, your choice. Setting sexual boundaries is also important for creating intimacy that feels safe, respectful and mutual. 

Here’s what healthy sexual boundaries might look like:

• Saying no without apology.
  Consent is more than a one-time yes—it’s an ongoing, enthusiastic agreement that can shift at any time. You don’t owe anyone access to your body, ever.

• Communicating what feels good and what doesn’t.
  Whether you’re with a long-term partner or someone new, your comfort and pleasures matter just as much as theirs.

• Setting limits around sexual jokes, conversations, or touching.
  If something feels inappropriate or makes you uncomfortable, be it online or in real life, it’s absolutely okay to speak up or step away.

• Waiting until you feel emotionally ready.
   Taking your time to feel safe and connected before being intimate is a form of self-respect. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking you’re being “difficult” or “too sensitive.”

• Discussing protection, STI testing, and contraception.
  This is part of your right to safe, informed intimacy. Your health matters. Always.

Crossing someone’s sexual boundaries, intentionally or not, can cause deep emotional and psychological harm. But when boundaries are respected, they create the foundation for trust, honesty, and fulfilling connection.

4. Time Boundaries (Protecting Your Hours and Effort)

If your calendar feels like a collection of everyone else’s priorities but your own, it’s time to set some time boundaries. Think of your time as a reflection of how much you value your energy, your healing, and your life. Now, what would you change?

Time boundaries are your gentle but firm way of saying: My hours are sacred. My energy matters. I deserve space to rest, breathe, and just exist.

Here’s what healthy time boundaries might look like in real life:

• Saying no to last-minute plans when you’re running on empty.
  You don’t need a jam-packed schedule to prove your worth; rest is productive too.

• Blocking off self-care time and treating it like a standing appointment.
  Whether it’s a monthly journaling subscription, a bubble bath, therapy, or just silence… if it restores you, it deserves some of your time.

• Unplugging from work after hours.
  Logging off when the work day is over, or when you don’t want to be bothered, is a boundary.

• Leaving social events early (or skipping them entirely) without guilt.
  Honour your capacity. 

• Building buffer time between obligations.
  Having a schedule that is back-to-back with everything is a recipe for burnout. Your nervous system needs a breather.

Without healthy time boundaries, your energy gets stretched thin, your anxiety rises and your needs get pushed to the bottom of the list, which creates a terrible cycle no one wants to be in. When you start reclaiming your time, even in small ways, you send a powerful message to yourself: I’m allowed to exist outside of everyone else’s demands.

Need a physical reminder to slow down and pause before overcommitting? Our fidget spinner rings are perfect for grounding yourself in the present and checking in with yourself. 

5. Spiritual Boundaries (Honouring Your Beliefs and Energy)

Some boundaries are visible, whereas others feel more private, sacred, and personal. Spiritual boundaries are the latter.

Whether your spirituality is rooted in organized religion, energy work, crystal healing, mindfulness, or simply wanting a quiet connection to something greater, spiritual boundaries help you stay aligned with your truth. They protect your beliefs, your practices and your right to explore your path without fear, shame or intrusion.

Here’s what spiritual boundaries might look like in everyday life:

• Choosing not to engage in debates that feel dismissive of your beliefs.
  Saying, “This conversation doesn’t feel respectful, and I’m going to step away.”

• Being intentional about who you share your practices with.
  Whether you meditate, pray, journal with crystals, or talk to the moon, your rituals are yours and no one else’s. 

• Walking away from spiritual spaces or communities that feel controlling or shaming.
  Spirituality should feel expansive, not oppressive. If a space no longer aligns, your boundary can be to leave.

• Not allowing others to invalidate your intuition or energetic experiences.
  Your connection to the divine, your inner knowing, your energy is not up for debate.

• Creating and protecting sacred time for spiritual practices.
  Whether it’s a quiet morning ritual or five minutes of grounding with a crystal fidget ring, this is your soul’s space and it deserves respect.

Spiritual boundaries help you feel more grounded, centred, and aligned with who you truly are. And in a world that often tries to rush or reshape you, that kind of connection is radical act of self-care.

6. Financial Boundaries (Protecting Your Wallet and Your Mental Health)

Financial boundaries are how you protect both your bank account and your mental health. From splitting bills to lending money, finances can quickly become tangled with guilt, shame and people-pleasing. We’re often taught to avoid “awkward” conversations about money, to keep the peace by picking up the tab, or to give even when it costs us emotionally. But when you don’t set boundaries around your finances, it can slowly drain your energy, create resentment, and destabilize your sense of security.

Financial boundaries are a form of self-respect.  Here’s what strong financial boundaries might look like in real life:

• Saying no to lending money you can’t afford to lose.
  Love doesn’t require a loan, even if you can afford it. 

• Not splitting costs equally when your budgets don’t match.
  You don’t have to overextend to keep up. Suggest plans that feel aligned with your financial comfort zone.

• Declining to cover for people who don’t pay you back.
  If “I’ll pay you back” becomes a pattern that never happens, it’s no longer a favour. Tab, please. 

• Being upfront about your money goals and limits.
  Your goals matter.

• Saying no to guilt-based giving.
  Generosity should come from abundance, not pressure. You’re allowed to say, “That’s not in my budget right now.”

Without healthy financial boundaries, you may find yourself in cycles of stress, resentment, and financial anxiety. But when you start protecting your financial energy, you step into alignment with your values, your goals, and your mental health. 

7. Workplace Boundaries (Thriving Without Burning Out)

Let’s get one thing straight: workplace boundaries are absolutely imperative for maintaining and protecting your mental health. Well, all. different types of boundaries are, but this one is often left forgotten. 

Work boundaries are how you protect your time, energy and emotional bandwidth, so you can thrive professionally without losing yourself in the process. These boundaries aren’t about being difficult or uncommitted. They’re about working smarter, not harder, and honouring the fact that you’re HUMAN. 

Here’s what healthy workplace boundaries can look like:

• Logging off at a set time and not checking emails after hours.
  Your inbox can wait. Your mental health can’t.

• Being honest about your capacity.
  Saying, “I’m at full capacity right now.”

• Taking your breaks and actually using your vacation days.
  Rest is your right. You earn that time off. 

• Setting emotional boundaries with coworkers.
  You can be warm and supportive without being the office therapist or emotional fixer.

• Declining non-urgent, last-minute tasks outside your role.
  Boundaries create clarity for you and for your team.

When you honour your work boundaries, you reclaim your sense of control, reduce stress, and build more respectful, productive relationships. 

Repeat after me: “I can be a team player and still protect my peace.”

8. Digital Boundaries (Protecting Your Peace Online)

In a world of constant notifications, scrolling, and online expectations, it’s never been more important to protect your mental health digitally. Digital boundaries help you stay grounded, intentional, and emotionally safe while navigating your online life. Because just like in real life, you get to decide who has access to you, and when.

Digital burnout is also real. So is digital anxiety, comparison, overstimulation, and the subtle guilt of not replying “fast enough.” Setting healthy digital boundaries gives you the freedom to your peace, your presence, and your privacy.

Here’s what digital boundaries might look like:

• Turning off notifications or setting app limits.
  You don’t need to be available 24/7.

• Muting, unfollowing, or blocking accounts that drain you.
  Protect your feed like you protect your energy. 

• Not responding to messages or emails immediately, or at all.
  Just because someone reaches out doesn’t mean you owe them your time on demand.

• Setting time boundaries around social media.
  No more endless doomscrolling before bed. Your sleep (and mental health) deserves better.

• Declining to engage in online arguments, negativity, or comparison traps.
  Not every opinion needs a response. Silence is a response—and a powerful one.

Need a grounding tool to reset after too much screen time? Try spinning a fidget ring and enjoy a calming, tactile ritual that gently pulls your attention away from the anxious noise and back to the present. 

9. Relationship Boundaries (Loving Others Without Losing Yourself)

At the heart of every healthy relationship, romantic, platonic, and family-based, is one essential ingredient: boundaries.

Relationship boundaries are the invisible lines that define where you end and someone else begins. They help you protect your emotional energy, express your needs, and stay true to yourself while still showing up with love and care for others.

Without clear boundaries, even the most loving relationships can slip into resentment, co-dependency, or emotional burnout. But with them? You create space for deeper connection, mutual respect, and authentic communication.

Here’s what healthy relationship boundaries might look like:

• Communicating your needs clearly and calmly.
  You’re allowed to say, “I need space,” “I need reassurance,” or “This doesn’t feel okay.”

• Setting limits around time, energy, or availability.
  You don’t have to be available 24/7 to prove your love. Quality > quantity.

• Refusing to tolerate emotional manipulation, gaslighting, or passive-aggressiveness.
  Love should never cost your clarity, self-worth, or sense of safety.

• Holding space for your own feelings even if they differ from your partner’s or friend’s.
  Your feelings and opinions are valid, even when they’re not shared.

• Protecting your individual identity.
  You’re more than a role in someone else’s life. You’re a whole person with your own dreams, routines, and non-negotiables.

10. Material Boundaries (Respecting Your Belongings, Space, and Generosity)

Your time and energy aren’t the only things that deserve protection; so do your belongings. Material boundaries are all about how you share (or don’t share) your physical possessions and personal space. They help you set limits around lending, borrowing, and what you’re comfortable giving without feeling taken advantage of.

We often associate generosity with kindness but generosity without different types of boundaries can lead to resentment, financial stress, and even fractured relationships. 

Here’s what material boundaries might look like in action:

• Saying no to lending personal items or money you’re not comfortable parting with.
  You’re allowed to say, “That’s not something I’m able to share right now” without guilt.

• Setting limits around your space.
  Whether it’s your car, your bedroom, or your living room, you get to decide who’s welcome and when (and when is too much).

• Establishing rules around borrowed items.
  If someone repeatedly damages or forgets to return things, it’s a cue to reinforce your boundary.

• Not feeling obligated to give or donate beyond your comfort level.
  True generosity comes from abundance, not pressure or people-pleasing.

Why Boundaries Are So Hard to Set

From a young age, many of us are taught to prioritize the comfort of others over our own needs. Whether it’s being told to hug a relative you don’t feel safe around or being praised for “being nice” at your own expense, the message is often clear: your boundaries don’t matter as much as making others happy. So it’s no surprise that setting boundaries as an adult can feel scary, uncomfortable, or even selfish. But the truth is: boundaries are a form of love, both for yourself and for your relationships. Without them, resentment brews, anxiety spikes and communication falters. They’re how you honour your energy, protect your peace and create space for healthier, more authentic connections. Whether it’s saying no to overtime, limiting time on toxic social media accounts or reclaiming your personal time, every personal boundary you set is a reminder that you matter.

The Interpersonal Effectiveness concept of DBT can also be an exceptional resource for people struggling with setting different types of boundaries. This area of DBT focuses on enhancing personal skills to ask for what one needs, say no, and cope with interpersonal conflict, which are all crucial for establishing and maintaining all different types of boundaries.