During my recent appearance as a guest panelist on the Wake Up Happy, Sis podcast, I had the opportunity to discuss the art of saying no; one of my passions as a Burnout Coach.

As young girls, we may have been taught to prioritize others above ourselves, often leading to us taking on more than we can handle. With the constant juggling of work, family, friends, and everything in between, it can be challenging to maintain balance. Society encourages us to say "yes" to every opportunity to avoid conflict and always be agreeable. However, what happens when saying "yes" ultimately leads to burnout? This is especially true for women, who often face societal pressure to prioritize others over themselves.

I've been there. I used to say "yes" to everything, fearing that if I said "no," I would miss out on something important or fearful I was letting someone down. But the truth is, saying "no" can be just as important as saying "yes." Saying "no" doesn't mean being selfish; it means putting your emotion and mental health first, recognizing your limits, and being self-full.

So, why is it so hard to say "no"? For many of us, it's because we want to please others. We don't want to disappoint anyone, and we want to be seen as capable and reliable. We may also feel guilty for not taking on more, even if it's not in our best interest. But the reality is that saying "yes" all the time can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even resentment.

Learning to say "no" is a skill that takes practice, but it's essential for maintaining our mental and emotional well-being. It means setting boundaries, prioritizing time, and recognizing that we don't have to do everything. We can still be reliable and capable while also taking care of ourselves.

As a coach specializing in burnout prevention and supporting clients in developing the confidence and skills to assert their boundaries and prioritize their needs, I can attest to the transformative power of this simple word. Saying "no" may be challenging, but it's a crucial step toward self-care and well-being. It allows for the creation of time and energy to focus on activities that benefit you and your relationships.

So, if you struggle to say "no," start small. Set boundaries and prioritize your time. Remember that taking care of yourself benefits you and the people around you. And that is the ultimate form of self-care

Saying No is the Ultimate Self-Care

Orderly Khaos

Saying No is the Ultimate Self-Care

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Orderly Khaos