I used to say yes, all the time. Feeling an overwhelming need to both help and please everyone. How could you say no, to your colleagues? How would they judge your commitment, or level of productivity? Many of us find it difficult to say no because we are afraid of rejection, anger, or the unknown reaction of the other person. 

We often feel immense pressure to do things out of obligation; feeling that we are somehow letting others down. We place this pressure on ourselves, thinking everyone is going through a hard time and we are expected to continue giving more. But let’s ponder on this for a minute. How did you get to this point? If your life is so jam-packed with other people’s demands that you don’t have time for what matters most to you? Don’t put your mental health is in jeopardy. Maybe it’s time to make a change. 

Instead of saying yes, stop and reflect. Are you frozen with anxiety and the feeling terror, when thinking about telling someone no face to face? If that’s the case, it’s time to really take time and reflect. We put this pressure on ourselves because we feel that everyone is doing the same, so we must continue to give. Remember, for your own health it’s critical to accept the discomfort that comes with saying no.  

Saying no, believe me, will not make you a horrible person. You owe it to yourself to do so. You are important. Your well-being is important. Remember to take care of yourself first my friend.