NICE WAYS TO SAY ‘NO’ TO REDUCE FEELINGS OF GUILT AND ANXIETY?
Saying no to invitations, requests, and even friends can be an uncomfortable situation for those who do not scuffle with anxiety-related disorders.
A common theme of anxiety is guilt. Many of us feel that we are never enough, that we never do enough, or that we could always do more. When we can’t fulfil every goal or be everything to everyone, many people can feel a sense of failure or inadequacy, which results in feeling anxious due to the pressures of doing much more than we are able to.
If you are a people pleaser or are afraid of letting people down if you say “no,” then you may find yourself constantly stressed or anxious. Saying “no” is difficult for so many people and when they do say “no,” it leads to feelings of guilt, shame and disappointment and ultimately, anxiety.
The truth is, we can’t always physically or financially do everything that is asked of us. Sometimes people ask unreasonable things of us.
Useful resource – TED Talks video: Having the courage to say no – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMxKNMCNv9I