Happy & Healthy
SAY ‘NO’ MORE OFTEN’
AND YOUR LIFE WILL BE GREAT
Kiki knows what she's talking about...
Are you being lived? Do you always schedule appointments in the evening? Are you flying from one place to another and don't know when to take your rest? Believe me, I've been there too. And there is really only one solution for it: say ‘no’ more often. I just talked to Jet about how I've skipped the gym for two weeks . That has nothing to do with laziness (that doesn't even come into play with her, by the way), but simply with the fact that I don't know where to find THE TIME. Which is also a bizarre excuse, because let's be serious: you have control over your life, right? Sometimes it doesn't feel that way at all, but believe me: you have it firmly in your hands. To speak to myself a bit sternly (and to help others with the same problem), I have the following tips for you.. This is how you say no to...
...friends who want to drink wine during the week
First, consider whether this is a good idea during the week. Do you have a busy day the next day? Then saying 'no' in this situation is smart. “Sweeties,
drinking wine, sounds like a great plan, but can we do it Saturday night instead of Tuesday? We’ll have plenty of time.” Always works. ...your phone.
In the editorial office, we have a box where you can – no joke – put your phone in to take a moment of radio silence. Put together by Jet, never used afterwards. But everything starts with a good idea, of course. Being on your phone 24/7 is also precious time, just saying. If you absolutely need that thing nearby to function, then at least put it on airplane mode.
...doing things for others that take quite a bit of time.
Loving your fellow human and occasionally helping someone out is of course super sweet. But helping your neighbor's son for the second time this week with his exam while you’re really tired is maybe a bit too much. The best thing in this situation? Be honest. “So great that you ask me, but unfortunately you’re coming at the wrong time because I’m really too busy. I hope someone else can help you.” It’s really not rude; always putting yourself aside, that’s rude.
...too much work pressure.
Life consists of
so much more than just working. Are you being offered all sorts of tasks? Look at what the real 'must-dos' are or what you really enjoy. Those other tasks? NO.. ...those eight activities in a day.
Busy days with dozens of appointments happen to everyone sometimes. But if you schedule it like this structurally and hardly have time for yourself, then it’s time to intervene. Agree with yourself to do a maximum of two major activities in a day. Got more on the agenda? Move something to the next day. Picking up that coat from a friend can wait until the next day if it gives you extra peace right now.
...obligations.
True, you can't get out of some birthdays. But obligating yourself to work out three times a week is ridiculous if you just really don't feel like it. Even Jet thinks so. Just chill for a bit, put your feet up, and watch a nice series. It’s allowed, people. Really.
Are you being lived? Do you always schedule appointments in the evening? Are you flying from one place to another and don't know when to take your rest? Believe me...
