Taste Life Blog

This time of year has ready made stress. The stress of having to entertain, finding the “perfect gifts” for various graduations or weddings, having your house and yard clean, plus all of the ‘extras’! You can reclaim this spring and have energy for yourself and family and friends if you just say no.

First, give yourself permission to say no. Saying no is self care. It may be the most important thing you do. When you say no, you will have time to spend on the things you have already said yes to.

5 WAYS TO SAY NO

• “I’m sorry that won’t work for me right now.”

 “That won’t work for me” are magic coaching words that can be used anytime.

• “Thanks for thinking of me. Can you give me a day to think about it?”

Never say yes or no until you have thought about it for 24 hours.

• “I can’t help you right now, but I can help you next week!”

Everyone wants help yesterday. This delayed yes works like a charm most of the time as people want help now!

• “I can’t do this but I can …”

Maybe you really want to do what they are requesting but don’t have the time or energy. By giving a smaller commitment you can still feel like you are giving but on your terms.

• Use the broken record technique by saying no three times.

Manual J. Smith’s classic book, “When I Say No, I Feel Guilty” suggests that you keep on repeating your statement in a neutral, low key tone. Say no, say no again and say it again! Put a little post it note by your phone with the words NO NO NO to remind you.

Life is easy and we make it hard! Say no and reclaim your spring.