educe stress by saying no The following are some strategies to help you reduce stress by saying ‘No’: 1. Just say ‘No’ With most requests or invitations, a simple one word answer is all that is required. In these cases, giving a reason for declining the request can make the situation more difficult as it gives the person making the request the opportunity to question your reason. 2. Respect your rights Others have the right to make requests of you but you also have the right to decline. You may feel obligated to say yes but the only obligation you feel is the obligation you place upon yourself. Nobody else can obligate you to do anything. They are merely making a request. So, if you want to decline the request, do so. 3. Explain your reason in the positive When declining a request from close friends or family, you may wish to provide a reason. When doing so, explain that reason in the positive. This requires you to explain how you are benefitting from declining e.g. ‘Unfortunately, I cannot make the show. I have been working away for the past week and I need to spend some time with my family’. When you are clear and honest like this, friends understand that you are not rejecting them, you are caring for yourself. 4. Learn to accept disapproval You are never going to be able to please everybody. Regardless, of what decision you make, there will always be people to disapprove. Just make the decision which is right for you and learn to accept the disapproval of others. Learning to accept disapproval is another great way to reduce stress.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 06:44:16 +0000
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