Hello!
The crazy, hussle-bussle holiday season is approaching. Would you like to reduce your stress level and enjoy the goodness this time of year can bring? You can.
By learning how to occasionally say "no" when you are already being stretched thin, you can take control of the demands you encounter. If you find yourself making offers to help with something, adding social activities to your schedule or saying "yes" to requests when you really do not want to, then you must learn how to make a conscientious effort to think before you react. You must develop assertive communication skills and not fret too much over your own feelings of guilt, insecurities of rejection or possible repercussions that may not even occur. You can still take care of others, but you must take care of yourself too.
You can effectively say "no" to your friends, loved ones, colleagues, even your boss by growing out of your comfort zone and applying the following mindset and dialogues:
It is necessary and okay to say "no" sometimes. Realize the goal of assertive communication is to express your thoughts and boundaries while being direct, honest and respectful of others.
Example: "I see why this is important to you. I am unable to help this time. Let's try to figure out some other possible solutions that could work."
Example: "This is what's on my plate currently. Which one of these priorities would you prefer I remove to accommodate your request?"
Example: "I'd love to join you but my schedule is already full that week. Please keep me in mind the next time. Have fun."
Once you develop assertive communication skills, you will be able to handle difficult people and awkward situations. More importantly, you will live your life with less resentment and stress and mostly, with more self-respect and confidence.
Remember, it's never too late to get happy!
To you being stress-free this holiday season,
Nancy Stampahar
