Want ways to handle stress? Start by saying "no"!

Looking for some ways to handle stress? Well, you're in for a special treat today. Why? Because you'll learn how to start handling stress just by saying "no" instead of "yes" to certain things.

But there are many things that you're probably asking about how, why and when to use this tip. That's why I'll take you through this technique step by step so you'll have yet another way to fight your stress!

Ready? Let's begin!

A "Stressful Story"

You see, life is filled with commitments. We don't always like "having to do things". Especially at the last minute. That's why when you're faced with a commitment at the last minute and you honestly aren't interested, just say "no".

A plain, straightforward "no" always seems to be understood. But I'm not saying you should start ducking every task you've been asked to do! All I'm saying is, if you don't want to do the job, be honest about it.

I had to learn the hard way...

I decided to volunteer as a tutor to teach children math and reading. My three-hour shift was coming to an end, and I was very anxious because I had to home to finish up a project that I had been holding off for a while.

So my shift came to an end, and as I was about to leave, the head instructor thanked me for my time. He seemed to appreciate my work, and he asked me if I could stay an extra hour. One more hour.

I was happy that my work was appreciated, but I was stuck in a tough situation. Like a fool, I said "Sure. I have plenty of time. An hour wouldn't be a problem at all!"

You want to know why I said that?

I thought it might somehow offend the head instructor if I said "no". For whatever reason. So there I was, tutoring for another hour, when I planned to catch up on my project.

Guess what?

I couldn't finish the project on time! I needed that one hour, but I chose not to use it! I was stressed beyond my limits! I kept stressing out about how I could have just said "no" and moved on.

It would have been so easy...

Now I learned my lesson. I should say "no" if I'm not feeling up to the task.

Out of all the ways to handle stress, this one could feel a little uncomfortable to do. For now.

But you need to get used to expressing how you feel. Personally, this is one of the best ways to handle stress.

Why Aren't People Honest About Their Feelings?

Being honest about your feelings should be at the top of your list for ways to handle stress. I can't "stress" that enough.

So, why do people say "yes" instead of "no"?

We have a natural tendency to impress people. We all want to be looked at in good eyes. So, when a person asks you to do something, even if you don't want, you'll probably say "yes".

And what happens when you say "yes" when you actually don't want to? You make yourself uncomfortable. You put yourself in a position where you "must" do something. And having that feeling is definitely stressful.

Why? Because you've already accepted the task. You already made it known that you will do what ever you agreed to do. Having to do something you don't want to do, causes stress.

You're Not Insulting Anyone by Saying "No"

Let's look at my story as an example. If I told the head instructor, "No, I cannot stay for another hour. I have to finish up a project," he would have understood.

By clearly explaining things to the person, more often than not, they'll understand the reason for your "no". Out of all the ways to handle stress out there, who would have thought honesty would be one of them?

Quite amazing, isn't it?

Never Sacrifice Comfort for a "Yes"

When you say "yes" when you don't want to, you are sacrificing your own comfort. If you don't feel at ease, stress is like a shark in the water, waiting to feed off of you!

Now I don't mean to scare you, but that's the simple truth. You have to be feeling comfortable when doing anything, or you'll start stressing out. Confused?

Let me give you an example (I promise it's the last one!).

Let's say you said "yes" to working overtime at your job, when you didn't want to. You are now in an uneasy position. Then, you start stressing out about how "you could be doing something else".

Trust me, you will start stressing out on the things you could have got done, if you hadn't said "yes" to working overtime.

There Are Many Ways To Handle Stress: This is Worth Remembering

Well, out of the many ways to handle stress, saying "no" can take a lot of guts. But remember, you're simply telling the truth; no harm in that!

So when you're presented with a task that you can refuse, and you want to refuse, then refuse. The moment you do it for the first time, you'll slowly gain the courage to make it a practice. But I'm not saying you should avoid everything! Only when you have to...

Take-Home Lesson?

Now you have learned a valuable lesson. Just say "no". I don't know how many times I've said that, but at least you get the point! Your choice of words can either make life very easy or very stressful. There are many ways to handle stress, and "no" is the icing on the cake.

As always, remember; this website is for you. Please don't hesitate to browse through this site and findings tips that are helpful to you.

Take advantage of the many practical ways to handle stress on this site. Most importantly, stay happy and stress free!

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