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As a teacher trained in student counseling techniques, you are quick to notice when others are hanging out on the edge of their set boundaries; out of their comfort zone. As empathetic individuals, it also comes naturally to some of us to some extent.

Every individual must know to set his/her boundaries because we all deserve to live authentically rather than pushing ourselves to please others, at times.

It is sometimes good for us to step outside our comfort zone but not of course to the point where we feel out of place, which affects our mental and physical well-being.

So here are a few key pieces of information that your students, as well as your co-workers, will find helpful.

Say What You Feel

You should know that there is nothing wrong with letting people around you know what makes you feel comfortable, uncomfortable, and safe or disturbed.

Despite living in the 21st century, our society still judges us for being too sensitive and sentimental, and being open about our feelings. On the flip side, if you happen to be an introvert, then life in an extroverted society may feel particularly uncomfortable.

But you must remember is that it’s completely alright for you to be clear and upfront about what you are and are not comfortable doing.

As a counselor, you can help your fellow teachers, colleagues as well as students not compromise with their inner peace of mind just to keep everyone else happy. One of the most crucial things that we can do for others sometimes is to tell them that if they are honest about their feelings and let us know that they are not comfortable doing a particular thing, we respect it and are okay with it.

Following Boundaries is Non-Negotiable

It is okay to say “no” and stick to it.

Let your students and colleagues learn about their most precious boundaries, and once they are aware of them, they should follow their own rules and not cross those boundaries.

But saying no doesn’t have to be harsh; show them the politest ways to say no if they are afraid of hurting other’s feelings. This will take away half the struggle of saying “no” from us; this is especially true for us who are part of the education sector, where we happen to care a lot and hate to disappoint anyone.

You can encourage your students and colleagues to use sentences like, “I enjoy spending time with you, but…

• I’m just not comfortable doing that
• I am sorry won’t be able to do that
• Instead….

Adding a hint of kindness to the statement does make all the difference. Being aware of the school counseling techniques will help you to become experts in these areas and help individuals around you.

Stop Feeling Guilty

This is the most common feeling that most of us feel when we say “no” to someone for something. Don’t lose your sleep over it; it’s completely normal.

But you must reach out to your fellow teachers and students and make them realize that they need not apologize for something that simply is not their concern/prerogative. It’s important to help them understand that it is not wrong on their part to stick to their boundaries. All these simply come down to the fact that if we’re more open about our boundaries, we can all find more tolerance, patience, and compassion toward one another and respect others’ boundaries too.