This is how you prevent stress
Appointments with friends, family visits and babysitting the neighbor’s cat. Sometimes you don’t feel like it or have the time for it, but you still say yes to everything. Saying no is not always easy for everyone. This causes a lot of stress. It is therefore time that you just say no for once.
Saying no every now and then is not a bad thing at all. It may even be good for you. Always saying yes makes you experience more stress. Stress can eventually even lead to burnout. By saying no every now and then, you are protected against this.
Why do you say no?
It’s nice to lend someone a hand, but sometimes it goes against your values and principles. If it doesn’t feel right to say yes, then don’t do it. A no is better at the moment, you don’t want to look at yourself with a bad image.
Many people cannot say no because of the fear of missing out (fomo). Calling your friends for a drink in the evening, nice but today was your only couch hangout night of the week. Now consider whether staying at home is a missed opportunity or just seeing your friends. Are you going to stay at home? Then just stay home.
When do you say no?
Just because you can say yes doesn’t mean you always have to do it. Focus on the things that matter most to you. Therefore, look at your obligations and priorities before you say yes or no.
Also remember that you should not do something out of guilt or the feeling that it is obligatory. This causes you to end up being more stressed, doing something reluctantly and maybe getting irritated.
Still unsure whether it will be a yes or a no? Sleep on it. As a result, you think carefully about what you want and you have a better overview of the situations that may arise. Is it still a no the next day? Then you also know that it is better to say no.
How do you say no?
The word no is itself an easy word to say. The load involved sometimes only makes it more difficult. There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re having a hard time saying no:
- Use the word no. A ‘I don’t think I can’ or a ‘I’m not sure yet’ is not clear. Because of this, the person you say no to may think it can be asked later. A no is a lot clearer and will not put you in difficult situations later on.
- You don’t always have to explain why you say no. Keep your answer short and be honest. It’s okay not to have a “valid” reason to say no every now and then. The mere fact that you don’t need the task or appointment is enough.
- Stay respectful when you say no to something. Someone puts time and effort into, for example, an appointment. Your answer may be hurtful because of this. By remaining respectful, the other person respects your no.
It’s good for you to say no every now and then. It doesn’t make you a worse or a weaker person. Saying no actually ensures that you don’t take too much on your fork. You do the things you say yes to for the full one hundred percent. And don’t forget that others sometimes say no to you, you don’t mind that either, do you?
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