DISCOVER THE POWER OF NO

Dominique Antiglio (above) is a sophrologist at the BeSophro clinic (be-sophro.com). She says that we need to start saying ‘no’ more often if we want to optimise our wellbeing.

‘Our tendency to say “yes” to everything comes from our innate need to please people and avoid conflict,’ she says. ‘Saying “no” can be daunting and requires courage and confidence. However, saying no is like training a muscle and it becomes easier each time. It’s a statement that is crucial for creating healthy boundaries and it buys you time and energy to meet your own wants and commitments without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. Saying no actually builds creativity and resilience because it takes you off autopilot, giving you the space to think and act more clearly. This is particularly valuable during times of uncertainty when you need more creativity to navigate upheaval.

‘If you can’t be creative, you won’t have the capacity or motivation to transform old habits or find a positive way out of a challenging situation. Burnout tends to occur among people with very strong minds — their mental will to push through overrides their body’s signals for rest and recovery, and this is how burnout happens. Turning up the dial on body awareness is one way to pick up on the signals so you can act as necessary.’

HOW TO PRACTICE SAYING NO

■ Try a variation of the word ‘no’

It’s not a solid ‘no,’ just a ‘not right now’.

■ Communicate your ‘to do’ list This shows your priorities and helps others understand your commitments.

■ Clock-watch

Give yourself permission to take a lunchbreak and finish work on time. Blurring the work/life boundaries will make it more difficult to say no.

■ Take a breather

A ten-minute break can help you reset the intensity of the day.