Setting Relationship Boundaries for Better Health In Midlife

By Natalie Jill

Today, I want to dive deep into the crucial but often overlooked aspect of achieving your health and fitness goals: setting boundaries in your relationships.

Let's get real for a moment. We all have those times when life takes a toll on us, when the going gets tough, and we find ourselves stuck in a rut.

I've been there, too – there was a time when I was 60 pounds overweight and battling depression for months. It happens to the best of us.

Now, I'm not claiming to have never experienced tough times since then. I'm 52, and life throws its curveballs at me, too.

The key difference is that I've learned to bounce back faster and stronger, and I'm here to share my insights with you.

So, how did I do it? How did I learn to shift out of those dark times and keep moving forward on my fitness journey?

One of the most crucial factors is surrounding yourself with the right people and setting boundaries.

If you feel like you’re “stuck” or that nobody supports you and your newfound zest for a more active, healthy life, or you’ve noticed that your motivation and mindset take a major hit after spending too much time around certain people, this one’s for you!

Let me break it down for you…

I firmly believe that we aren't born with a fixed mindset. It's a learned trait, and it's essential to cultivate a growth mindset to conquer challenges and achieve your goals.

This includes carefully curating your inner circle. Yes, this includes family members, too. It might be tough to accept, but I no longer allow people in my life who don't share this belief.

Now, I’m not suggesting you suddenly declare that you’re cutting someone out of your life. But you instead slowly stop spending as much time with them, excuse yourself from conversations and activities, and start limiting interactions or events that are damaging to your mindset.

Subtly adjust your schedule and commitments, so you naturally have less time to spare. Politely decline some invitations and focus on your personal priorities.

By being proactive about your time management, you can gradually create distance without making it a big issue.

If you find yourself having a bad day or facing setbacks, you don't want friends who will simply commiserate with you. Instead, surround yourself with those who challenge you to find solutions.

When I have a setback, I reach out to people who will ask, "What are you going to do about it?" It's a game-changer.

Your inner circle should be people who aren't afraid to hold you accountable.

They don't just nod along when you're down; they tell you when you're veering off track and help you get back on course.

This is essential for your growth and progress.

Most people lack the boundaries they need to protect their mindset. You should actively shape what you allow into your mind and life.

Guard it from negative influences. Not only does this include the people who take up time and space in your life, but the things you expose yourself to on a daily basis from social media, to the news, and the podcasts and music you listen to.

What kind of energy are you allowing into your mind and life? Make shifts accordingly.

The really cool thing about boundaries is once you decide what you want for your future self, it’s easier to find other like minded people on the same path.

I recently moved to a new state where my husband and I didn’t know anyone. I used it as an opportunity to make new friends.

I joined a local Facebook group (which was totally out of my comfort zone) and posted that I was looking for girly granolas to go hiking…Because I like nature but also hair extensions and fashion. #duh

I shared my age and what I was looking for, and then I organized a meet up and made 8 new friends!

Instead of getting stuck in your ways and in groups of people who no longer align with the person you want to be, approach “midlife” as an opportunity to reinvent yourself.

The truth is, setting boundaries isn't about cutting people out abruptly; it's about protecting your well-being and progress. As we grow and evolve, not everyone from our past should continue to occupy a significant space in our lives.

Remember, we are not the same people we were in high school or at any other point in our lives. We should be constantly growing and improving.

Don't be afraid to protect your growth and your mission, even if it means making tough choices about who you allow into your life.

The power of setting boundaries in your relationships is transformative. Don't be afraid to protect your growth and keep moving forward on your health and fitness journey. It's all part of becoming the best version of yourself and helping others along the way.

Another major factor in bouncing back faster and stronger in midlife is how you support your body and hormones.

Go here and grab the Hormone Pack for supplements carefully crafted to support common midlife deficiencies and optimize hormone levels in your 50s and 60s.

Clark and I are both huge fans!