Happy & Healthy

learning how to say ‘No’

Are your days always jam-packed? Do you never have a night off to relax and are you always on the go from one place to another? Believe me, I’ve been there too. And there really is only one solution to fix it: learn to say ‘no.’ Anytime I hear people use the cliché that ‘you’re the one controlling your own life’ I realize; that might be true, but it sure as hell doesn’t feel that way. I need to learn to more strict when it comes to my personal time (and perhaps you do too) so here are a couple of tips to help you do it:

This is how you say no…

…to friends who want to grab drinks during the week

First you need to realize whether or not this is a smart thing to do during the week? Do you have a busy day the next day? Then saying ‘no’ in this situation is your best option. “Ladies, I’m completely down for going out for drinks but can we do it on Saturday evening instead of Tuesday?” This always works. 

…to your phone

At our Amsterdam HQ we have a box that we use to store our phones to obtain some radio silence (no joke – you may have read about it yesterday). Truthfully, we don’t use it too often but hey, having it is a start. Hard time storing it? Then just switch it onto flight mode. 

…to helping out someone with something you know is going to take up a lot of time

Helping someone out and being kind to one another is something everyone should be and get as well as reciprocate.  But helping out your neighbors son study for an exam he has already failed twice while you’re completely exhausted from work might just be too much of a good thing. The best thing to do? Be honest. “So sweet of you to think of me to help, but the timing this week isn’t good. I’m extremely packed with work. I hope you can find someone else to give you a hand.”  

…to too much pressure at work

There’s more to life than just working. Are you getting a bunch of projects thrown your way? Categorize them into things you ‘have’ to do and the things you love. Everything else? NO.

…to multiple appointments in one day

Days swamped with appointments happens. But if you don’t add a bit of structure into your agenda leaving you with absolutely no free time for yourself, it’s time for a change. Make a pact with yourself to stick to max two different ‘big’ activities a day. Still a busy day ahead of you? Adjust some things in your agenda and move some work to other days of the week.  

…to obligations

True, there are some birthday’s you really can’t miss. But forcing yourself to go to the gym three times a week is ridiculous if you really aren’t in the mood to do it. Even our health editor agrees. It’s okay to take a day to chill. I promise.