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When and How to Say No for a Healthy Life

Are you a people pleaser? It’s okay if you are. In fact, it’s a common problem. Learning when and how to say no is challenging yet it is crucial for living a healthy life. You have two options: accept whatever food and drink are handed to you at social gatherings or take your health into your own hands and start setting boundaries. The following are reasons why it’s more than okay for you to say no and make decisions for yourself.

1. Say no for greater self-acceptance

Fear of missing out, or “FOMO,” is a real thing. Rather than fighting it, embrace your fear of missing out or the fear of failing to meet the expectations of others. Too often we feel compelled to say yes to an opportunity without taking the time to examine whether or not that opportunity is in line with our core values and priorities.

If getting to a healthier weight is your top priority, it makes sense to RSVP to opportunities that will help you succeed rather than jeopardize your success. If a friend or family member invites you to do something that does not align with the habits you are trying to form, say no. Then, you can either let it be or suggest something that agrees with your goals. If your friends or family members shut that idea down, read the next tip for advice.

2. Identify and rid yourself of the naysayers

Saying “no” to food offerings and invitations that detract from your goals is not easy. It is especially not easy when those invitations come from people you love spending time with. Another positive aspect of learning when and how to say no is being able to identify those around you who may be unsupportive. When loved ones can’t take “no” for an answer or persuade you away from your goals, it may be best to limit your time with them or talk to them about it.

Sometimes, the people in our lives have a hard time with change. They may not understand how important your goals are to you. Other times, negative aspects of being human (like jealousy, fear, resentment, etc.) can make those you love act unsupportively. Asking your loved ones to provide the social support you need will give you long-term success in health and wellness. At the end of the day, those still not on board with the new you may need to go. Remember why want to be the best version of yourself. Stay true to that when you want to please others.

3. Be the most important person in your life

Finally, keep in mind the wise words of author Suzette Hinton: “We must say ‘no’ to what, in our heart, we don’t want. We must say ‘no’ to doing things out of obligation, thereby cheating those important to us of the purest expression of our love. We must say ‘no’ to treating ourselves, our health, our needs as not as important as someone else’s. We must say ‘no.'”

Start saying “no” to unnecessary liquid calories (and yes to mocktails) at happy hour. Get your friends together to go for a hike or attend a workout class. Begin offering to bring a veggie tray to the next gathering. Be okay saying, “No, thank you, I’m not hungry” to second servings if you’re full. It is liberating to make decisions for yourself without feeling guilt or shame for not complying with others’ wishes. It’s more than okay to focus on your health and wellness. Commit to doing so today by saying yes to saying no.

You don’t have to navigate tough things like saying “no” to your loved ones alone. Join Profile and you’ll have a health coach by your side for support. Contact us to learn more about Profile at a free coach consultation.

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