We love to talk about external boundaries: the lines we set with others. But have you heard of internal boundaries? Internal boundaries are the limits and lines we set for ourselves. These can be things like limiting our phone usage while we are at home, scheduling rest or exercise or time in fresh air, eating food that makes our bodies feel good, limiting alcohol and other drugs, and saying “no” to projects and commitments we don’t have time or energy for.

Internal and external boundaries are drawn for the same reasons: to protect and promote our well-being. Many of us overlook the importance of the boundaries we set with ourselves, however. We often dislike the idea of limits and rules, and avoid establishing such restrictions. Or we let the demands of others outweigh our own needs and........

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