Understanding When To Say 'Yes' Or 'No' To Requests

You may feel like you're spending more time on other people than you are on yourself - which can be draining. On the other hand, it can be tempting to say 'yes' to fun things! But then you find yourself exhausted because you're so busy.

The next time you're wondering whether to say 'yes' or 'no', ask yourself these questions:

Do you really have time for this and time for yourself?
If you already have a lot on your plate right now, this activity could just add more stress and make you feel (more) tired.

What are the consequences if you say 'no'?
Will it hinder a friendship that you value? Can someone else get the job/task done if you can't? Think about whether you will really regret declining this months or years from now.

What are the benefits if you say 'yes'?
Think about the impact of this activity. Is it a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Will you push yourself to do something out of your comfort zone?

Do you care deeply about this?
Think about whether this activity or cause is meaningful to you or someone you care about. If it has a deeper meaning or impact, you'll likely feel more excited to participate and get a sense of gratitude from it.

Can you say 'yes', but with conditions?
For example, can you donate an hour of your time to help out rather than a whole day? Or, go to a social gathering for a bit and then designate a time to go home to relax?

It can be challenging to decline requests and invitations in the moment. The next time someone asks, try replying with "That sounds interesting. I'll let you know later today.", which will give you some time to think about what you really want to do rather than feel pressured.