Embracing ”No” as a complete sentence 🙅

Why can saying “no” feel so uncomfortable?

When a friend invites us to a social gathering, a coworker asks for extra help with a project, or a family member asks for a favor, saying no may not feel like an option. We’re wired to think that declining a request is a rude or unwelcome response.

But like everything else in life, balance is key. There may be times when we truly don’t have extra bandwidth, and we need to say “no” for the sake of our health. Learning to work through discomfort and politely decline is an important skill that can protect our well-being in the long run.

Shawna Sielert (Licensed Professional Counselor) teaches us when to say no, how to decline without hurt feelings, and how saying no to some things can leave room for the right things down the line.

Watch tips from Shawna Sielert, LPC.

Watch more from our Mind Matters series.