Saying no is definitely not an easy thing to do for most people, myself included. This two letter word can be so difficult to use… but why? The answer to that question is actually quite simple. Saying no makes us feel guilty, selfish and perhaps even embarrassed. We often don’t want to upset people or make them dislike us so we keep saying yes, despite not always wanting to. Sometimes we say no because we don’t know how to explain why. However we regret it later on, we think “I should have said no,” but by then it’s too late and we may feel uncomfortable to go back on our word. So today I am going to outline the benefits of saying no as well as how you can start saying it more often.

The Benefits of Saying No

Less Stress

Saying yes when you really want to say no is actually very stressful for both your mind and body and could lead to anxiety, tension, and insomnia. Learning to say no will allow you to feel a sense of freedom and control, making you happier and less stressed in the long run.

Helps get rid of toxic people

It is important to remove advantage takers, complainers, gossipers, and other toxic people from your life. These kinds of people are experts at manipulating you into saying yes by making you feel guilty for saying no. Therefore if you constantly give them a firm no, they are more likely to  eventually leave you alone. Cutting out toxic people from your life may help improve your mental health immensely, making you feel a lot more positive.

Gives you more energy

If you take on things that you have no interest in doing or don’t have time for, it can lead to increased stress and unhappiness. Saying no will help you save your energy for worthwhile things that you are passionate about. More energy helps you have greater productivity and makes you feel more fulfilled.

Gain strength

Saying no to others may mean saying yes to yourself. When you say no, you take control of your life by not allowing others to influence your decisions. This can help you gain confidence, increase self esteem and honor your boundaries. Interestingly, although saying no may upset people, it could also earn their respect.

Enjoy your life more

When you start saying no more frequently, life may become a lot more enjoyable because you feel free and in control. Limiting your time and effort to things that you actually enjoy will be a lot more fun for you. This will help reduce your stress and increase your overall happiness and satisfaction.

How to Start Saying No More Often

The only way to get more comfortable with saying no is to practice! Just like with anything else, practice makes perfect. It may be a good idea to start small by saying no to things such as eating an extra piece of chocolate or buying an unnecessary item. If you’re finding it hard to say no (which is completely normal), try to pause, take a deep breath and think about your own needs before thinking about the other person’s. It is important to be aware of people who don’t take no for an answer. When faced with a situation where the person is not accepting your no, it is vital that you stay true to your answer and don’t let them try and change your mind. Be firm and stand your ground. Finally, remember that saying no does not require an explanation. Remind yourself that it is your life and therefore your choice. If you do not want to do something then say so!

Overall, saying no can do wonders for your health. Once you learn how to say no, you will no longer feel the need to please people and as a result you will put yourself first and start building your self worth. You will no longer feel overwhelmed by unwanted tasks, making you feel a lot less stressed and pressured.