In a society where there is a belief to say yes at every open door, it values you more to know when you should be saying no. Saying no might not come easy for everyone but can increase your self-care and protect your time, energy, and peace of mind. Read on to see why incorporating the power of No is a must and how it can lead you towards greater balance, joy, freedom.
Protecting Your Time and Energy
Time and energy are the most precious resources we will ever own, and “no” is one of the best ways to save it. Even the smallest commitment draws on your mental and physical energies. In choosing to say no to things that do not assist in furthering the goals and priorities you have defined for yourself, you may free up time or give yourself an opportunity to focus on matters, whether that is spending time with loved ones, pursuing personal goals, or simply taking a moment to recollect yourself and recharge.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
The word “no” is the original assertion of boundaries, defining what you want and will accept from others. Saying yes to things you do not want to be a part of sends ripples into life, formulating the frame and beliefs we are forming. At the same time, telling people “no” respects your boundaries. This leads to an improvement in how you relate to others, and a greater respect for your home. And if you do say yes, bring along essentials that help you feel at ease in social settings, like a Jelli M1 mask—perfect for times you want a little extra peace of mind while being around others.
Reducing Stress and Overwhelm
The risk of overcommitting is getting burnt out very quickly. If one overextends and says “yes” to too many commitments, it can leave you feeling tired and frazzled. Saying no prevents being overwhelmed with too many tasks, and prioritizing your well-being over anything else. You should ask yourself “Is there space in your life to commit?” And if you're starting to feel overloaded, it is okay to decline any offers for your own sake and well-being.
Prioritizing What Matters Most
Every time you say no to what does not serve you, that is a yes to something that does. When you say no to things that can be said no to, put simply, you are making space for what matters most–meeting the right people and signing up to do the work that you believe makes your life worth living. It allows us to live a life that is more meaningful and intentional.
It is not bad to say ‘no'; but it creates space for the stream of positive energy and purpose in you. If you respect your own limitations and continue to honor what is truly important, life will be far less burdensome. Therefore, the next time you are in a situation where someone asks if they can count on your attendance or completion of a project, re-imagine that “no” is actually an option–and it is also perfectly acceptable.
