Healthy Boundaries
This two-letter word is considered a complete sentence when setting a boundary.
NO
Name a Healing Coping Skills
Listening to music, talking to a friend of therapist, breathing, going for a walk/jog/hike, journaling.
This rapid physiological response occurs when your brain senses a threat, real or perceived.
What is the Fight-or-Flight (or Freeze/Fawn) response?
The internal dialogue you have with yourself that strongly influences your self-esteem is called this.
What is self-talk?
This 1-page document summarizes your education, work history, and skills for prospective employers.
What is a resume?
This type of boundary involves personal space, physical touch, and privacy
What is a physical boundary?
This physical activity helps burn off excess cortisol and stress hormones.
What is exercise (or walking/moving your body)?
This grounding technique counts down using your 5 senses to bring you back to the present moment.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique?
Standing tall, making eye contact, and uncrossing your arms are examples of this type of confident communication.
What is nonverbal communication (or open body language)?
Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early for a job interview is an example of this important workplace trait.
What is punctuality (or being on time)?
This term describes a healthy line you draw to protect your time and energy from being overcommitted.
What is a time (or energy) boundary?
Writing down your thoughts in a notebook to process emotions is known as this practice.
What is journaling?
This term describes automatic, negative thoughts that jump to the absolute worst-case scenario.
What is catastrophizing?
This psychological phenomenon makes high achievers feel like they are "faking it" or will be exposed as a fraud.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
This professional networking platform allows you to build an online career profile and connect with colleagues.
What is LinkedIn?
Statements starting with this letter are best used when communicating boundaries without placing blame (e.g., "I feel...").
What are "I" statements?
Using your sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste to pull your attention away from stress and anchor you in the present moment is called this type of sensory exercise.
What is grounding (or sensory grounding / 5 senses technique)?
This simple tool involves repeating encouraging, realistic phrases to yourself—like "I can handle this" or "This feeling will pass"—to fight off anxious thoughts.
What is positive self-talk (or coping thoughts / self-affirmations)?
Confidence is not built by waiting until you feel ready; it is built by taking this.
What is action?
During a job interview, doing this with the interviewer shows confidence, attentiveness, and strong communication skills.
What is making eye contact (or active listening)?
When someone guilt-trips you for setting a boundary, this is the best response strategy instead of over-explaining.
What is standing firm / holding the boundary without apologizing?
Unlike healthy coping skills, these unhelpful habits (like doomscrolling or isolation) numb feelings temporarily but increase stress later.
What are unhealthy coping mechanisms (or avoidance behaviors)?
The physical symptom where your heart pounds rapidly during anxiety is caused by the release of this hormone.
What is adrenaline?
Phrases you repeat to yourself to reinforce your strengths and worth are called this.
What are affirmations?
The process of connecting with people in your industry to learn about job opportunities and gain advice is called this.
What is networking?