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Setting Healthy Boundaries

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Lesson Plan

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Students will understand the importance of personal boundaries, identify their own limits, and learn strategies to communicate their needs effectively to protect their mental well-being and academic success.

Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial for preventing burnout, maintaining mental and emotional well-being, and fostering respectful relationships. This lesson provides practical tools for students to navigate their personal and academic lives more effectively.

Audience

Undergraduate Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, direct instruction, and a practical activity.

Materials

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What are Boundaries?

10 minutes

  • Begin with a warm welcome and introduce the topic of boundaries.
    - Use Slide 1 and 2 from the Setting Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck.
    - Ask students for initial thoughts on what boundaries mean to them.
    - Facilitate a brief open discussion, encouraging students to share without judgment.

Step 2

Why Boundaries Matter

15 minutes

  • Transition to the importance of boundaries for mental health, academic success, and healthy relationships.
    - Utilize Slide 3-5 from the Setting Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck.
    - Discuss common challenges students face when not setting boundaries (e.g., burnout, resentment).

Step 3

Types of Boundaries & Communication Strategies

15 minutes

  • Explain different types of boundaries (physical, emotional, time, material).
    - Introduce effective communication strategies for setting boundaries (e.g., 'I' statements, direct and clear language).
    - Present Slide 6-9 from the Setting Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck.
    - Provide examples and scenarios for students to consider.

Step 4

Activity: Boundary Building Worksheet

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Boundary Building Worksheet.
    - Instruct students to individually work through the prompts, identifying areas where they need to set boundaries and how they might communicate them.
    - Circulate and offer support as needed.

Step 5

Group Discussion & Wrap-up

10 minutes

  • Bring the class back together for a group discussion using the Boundary Discussion Prompts.
    - Encourage volunteers to share insights or challenges from their worksheets (optional, no pressure).
    - Summarize key takeaways from the lesson.
    - Use Slide 10-11 from the Setting Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck for review and a final thought.
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Slide Deck

What's Your Limit? Setting Healthy Boundaries

Welcome!
Today we're talking about something super important for your well-being: boundaries.

What comes to mind when you hear the word 'boundary'?

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Start by asking an engaging question to activate prior knowledge.

Defining Boundaries

Boundaries Are Your Personal Space

  • Limits and rules you set for yourself in relationships.
  • They define what's okay and what's not.
  • They protect your energy, time, and emotions.
  • Think of them as a fence around your well-being, not a wall to keep people out.

Transition from personal associations to a more formal definition. Emphasize that boundaries are about self-care, not selfishness.

Why Boundaries Matter

More Than Just Saying 'No'

  • Reduces stress and burnout: Prevents feeling overwhelmed.
  • Improves relationships: Fosters respect and understanding.
  • Boosts self-respect: You value your own needs.
  • Enhances academic performance: Better focus, more energy.
  • Protects mental well-being: Creates emotional safety.

Discuss the 'why' behind boundaries, relating it to common student experiences like stress and overcommitment.

The Cost of NO Boundaries

What Happens When Boundaries are Fuzzy?

  • Resentment: Feeling used or taken advantage of.
  • Exhaustion: Always feeling drained and tired.
  • Stress & Anxiety: Constant pressure to please others.
  • Strained Relationships: Conflict and misunderstandings.
  • Loss of Identity: Forgetting your own needs and desires.

Elaborate on the consequences of poor boundaries. Ask students to reflect on times they might have felt these effects.

Your Well-Being, Your Rules

Remember: Setting boundaries is an act of self-care, not selfishness. It allows you to show up as your best self for others AND yourself.

Give a quick summary statement before moving into the practical application.

Types of Boundaries

Boundaries Come in Many Forms

  • Physical: Personal space, touch.
  • Emotional: Sharing feelings, taking on others' problems.
  • Time: Commitments, punctuality, availability.
  • Material: Lending possessions, money.
  • Intellectual: Respect for thoughts and ideas.

Introduce different categories of boundaries. Ask students to think about which areas they might struggle with most.

'I' Statements: Your Boundary Superpower

Speak Your Truth Clearly

  • Start with "I": Focus on your feelings and needs.
  • Be direct: Don't hint or expect mind-reading.
  • Be concise: Keep it simple and to the point.
  • Example: "I need to focus on my studies tonight, so I won't be able to hang out." (Instead of "Ugh, I probably shouldn't, I have so much to do, but...")

Focus on actionable communication strategies. Emphasize clarity and directness.

Putting It Into Practice

Real-Life Scenarios

  • Friend always asking for notes: "I'm happy to help you understand the material, but I won't be able to share my personal notes this time."
  • Roommate plays loud music late: "I need quiet time to sleep/study, so I'd appreciate it if the music could be turned down after 10 PM."
  • Family member oversteps: "I love you, but I'm not comfortable discussing my grades/relationships right now."

Provide more examples to solidify understanding and show how it applies to various student scenarios.

It's Okay to Start Small

Building the Muscle

  • Setting boundaries is a skill that gets better with practice.
  • You don't have to be perfect from day one.
  • Self-compassion is key: Be kind to yourself when it feels hard.

Encourage students that it's a process and growth is important.

Your Turn! Boundary Building

Time for Reflection

  • You'll now work on the Boundary Building Worksheet.
  • Identify areas where you need to set boundaries.
  • Think about how you would communicate them using 'I' statements.
  • This is for your reflection, so be honest with yourself!

Transition to the worksheet activity. Give clear instructions and tell them to work individually.

Reflect & Grow

What Did We Learn?

  • Setting boundaries is essential for well-being.
  • Clear communication is vital.
  • It's an ongoing practice.
  • Your energy and time are valuable!

Take care of yourselves, Wolverines!

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompts. Reiterate key takeaways and provide an inspiring closing message.

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Worksheet

Boundary Building Worksheet: Protecting Your Energy

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Reflecting on Your Current Boundaries

Think about different areas of your life as an undergraduate student. How do you currently manage your personal space, time, and emotional energy?

  1. Academic Boundaries:

    • Do you often find yourself studying for others, explaining concepts repeatedly, or letting group projects consume too much of your individual time?


    • What are some signs that your academic boundaries might be stretched too thin (e.g., feeling resentful, falling behind on your own work)?


  2. Social/Relationship Boundaries:

    • Do you feel pressured to attend every social event, even when you need rest or study time?


    • Do friends often confide in you for long periods, leaving you feeling drained or responsible for their emotions?


  3. Personal Time/Self-Care Boundaries:

    • How often do you prioritize your own needs (sleep, exercise, hobbies) over others' requests or demands?


    • Do you struggle to say
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Setting Healthy Boundaries • Lenny Learning