Sure, it’s easier to say yes, but at what cost to your peace of mind? Here’s why saying no can be a healthier option for stress relief.
Is your daily life full of deadlines and obligations? Are you trying to fit too many activities into too little time? If so, stress relief can be as simple as saying no. Say no is a complete sentence.
Why say no?
The number of valid requests is not likely to decrease, and you cannot add more time to your day. Are you doomed to be overworked? The answer is no, not if you’re willing to say no. It may not be the easiest route, but it is a way to reduce stress. Keep in mind that being overloaded is individual. Just because your colleague can juggle ten meetings with apparent ease doesn’t mean you should be able to be part of multiple meetings. Only you can know what is too much for you. Each person knows their own mental and physical limits.
Consider these reasons to say no:
– Saying no is not necessarily selfish. When you say no to a new commitment, you are honoring your existing obligations and ensuring that you can devote quality time to them.
– Saying no can allow you to try new things. Just because you’ve always helped run the company’s softball tournament doesn’t mean you have to do it forever. Saying no gives you time to pursue other interests.
– Always saying yes is not healthy. When you’re over-committed and over-stressed, you’re more likely to feel burnt out and get sick.
– Saying yes can cut others off. On the other hand, when you say no, you open the door for others to take over. You can also delegate someone to take over the task. This person may not do things the way you would, but that’s okay. He will find his own way.
when to say no
It is sometimes difficult to determine which activities deserve your time and attention. Use these strategies to assess the obligations and opportunities that come your way.
– Focus on what matters most. Keep the essentials for the essentials. Put those things first. Review your obligations and priorities before making new commitments. – – Ask yourself if the new commitment is important to you. If it’s something you care about, do it. Otherwise, skip your turn.
– Evaluate the relationship between yes and stress. Is the new business you are considering a short-term or long-term commitment? For example, baking a batch of cookies for the school party will take much less time than running the school’s parent list. Don’t say yes if it means months of extra stress. Instead, look for other ways to get involved.
– Don’t feel guilty. Do not accept a request that you would rather refuse out of guilt or obligation. This will likely lead to additional stress and resentment.
– Think about it. Are you tempted by an invitation from a friend to volunteer or join a golf team? Before responding, take a day to think about the request and how it fits into your current commitments. If you can’t sleep on it, at least take some time to think about the request before responding to it.
how to say no
No. Do you see how easy it is to say a little word, which allows you to skip the tasks that do not suit you? Of course, there are times when it’s not so easy. Here are some things to keep in mind when you have to say no:
– Say no. The word “no” has power. Don’t be afraid to use it. Be careful not to use vague substitute phrases, such as “I’m not sure” or “I don’t think I can.” They can be interpreted as meaning that you could say yes later.
– Be brief. Indicate the reason why you are refusing the request, but do not elaborate on the subject. Avoid elaborate justifications or explanations. Be clear and resolute.
– Be honest. Do not invent reasons to evade an obligation. The truth is always the best way to turn down a friend, family member, or co-worker.
– Be respectful. Many good causes can be knocking on your door, and it can be hard to turn them down. Complimenting the group’s effort while saying you can’t commit shows you respect what they’re trying to accomplish. For example, you might say something like, “Thanks for the opportunity, but I have a busy schedule right now.”
– Be prepared to rehearse. You may have to deny a request multiple times before the other person accepts your response. In this case, press the repeat button. Calmly repeat your refusal, with or without your initial justification, if necessary.
– Saying no will not be easy if you are in the habit of saying yes all the time. But learning to say no is an important part of simplifying your life and managing your stress. And with practice, you may find that saying no becomes easier.
