Find Out What Saying 'No' Can Do
By Sandy Schroeder
Too many times we let issues multiply in the interest of saving time, keeping the peace or simply because we run out of energy. Most of us juggle homes, family and work hoping it will all be OK.
If you can relate, you may want to say "no" to some of the extra demands that you encounter.
Start by taking a closer look at your world now noting what you do and what needs to be done. If it is all working, keep right on going. If it tends to get bogged down, you may be carrying too big of a load.
Allowing for the amount of stress that you are carrying and ask yourself a few questions.
- When was the last time you did something just for you?
- Does your day start with demands and end with more?
- Do you build time into your schedule to exercise?
- Do you have any backup to help absorb overload?
- Do you take weekends off and get away with your friends or family?
What to Do Instead
If these questions raise issues, you might want to try some new approaches.
Look for some good backup - Everybody needs some solid support to jump in when you are ill, tired, overloaded or just a little frazzled.
Start evaluating your tasks - Do you work on the big projects first and take care of the others at the end of the day?
Do you know how to say no? - Sometimes our friends and family know us too well. They know we will follow up and take care of all of the details. They also know we will show up and keep going. Surprise everyone by making your own requests. Asking those around you to step up and pitch in to help out.
Do you ignore obvious cues? - If you are used to doing a lot and getting the job done no matter what comes up, you may not see how overloaded you really are. I tend to do that when I sit down at my desk. I scan the work and then just keep going to get it all done. At the same time, I may be shortchanging my family, pets or health without realizing it.
What are your friends saying? - Fortunately I have some close friends who check on me frequently and speak up to let me know what they see. They ask if I am working weekends, exercising daily and eating healthy? Of course they already know the answers and I have to start shaping up and taking more breaks.
If you already know how to say "no," your schedule may be running smoothly. If it's not, you might give it a try. You may be surprised how well it works.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.