We talk a lot about eating healthy, exercising and sleeping well. I can’t remember a single health class I’ve taken that doesn’t go over these things, let alone videos you see on your phone or advertisements in the media. One of the simplest ways to take care of yourself but always the one that is often forgotten about is learning to say no.
It sounds easy, but most people struggle with it. I know because I’m one of them (I like to joke that I’m a certified people pleaser). We say yes to things we don’t actually have the time for, agree to do favors when we’re drained and go to events we don’t want to go to just to keep other people happy. That can wear us down.
Saying no isn’t selfish. It means you’re being honest about what you can handle. When you say no, you’re choosing where your time and energy goes.
Think of it this way: you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you say no to one thing, you are saying yes to something else like rest, time with your family or maybe even your own peace of mind.
I have a best friend that I can often go to about a lot of things in my life and rely on for favors (despite the fact we’re long distance now). Still, we both always make sure that the other person has the mental capacity to deal with what we’re about to give them. If the other person says no, we don’t take it to heart. We understand and respect that decision just like anyone else should.
Of course, it can feel uncomfortable at first. Believe me, I know all about that. You might worry people will think you’re being rude or don’t care about their feelings and what they want. The truth is people who respect you will understand. If they don’t, that says more about them than about you.
Living well isn’t just about doing more like staying active and choosing this certain type of lifestyle. It’s about making better decisions for yourself outside of your exercise or diet and learning to say no and to make space for what really matters.
So next time you feel stretched thin, remember that saying no is not rejection. It’s giving yourself permission to protect your time and your own well-being. Sometimes wellness isn’t adding another thing onto your plate. It’s about protecting the space you already have on the plate in the first place.
