Establishing Ways to Care for Yourself
What is the best gift you can give yourself during the holiday season? Healthy boundaries. You don’t always have to say yes. In this guide, I’ll explain how you can gently say no to the many, many requests of others.
Making Space for Yourself
You deserve and need to set limits with others. You get to determine how people treat you and what they expect from you. The holiday season can become several calendar months of you saying “yes, yes, yes” when you might want to say “I am exhausted, no thank you.”
Saying “no” is honest. It is not being rude, it is being realistic. Say no in a way that shows you are honored for the offer, but that you do not have the energy to complete the request at this time.
What Happens when you don't Set Healthy Boundaries?
● You may feel drained because you are trying to conform to others and to their plans. You aren’t giving yourself adequate downtime to recharge.
● You think others will be disappointed, so you say “yes” even to your own detriment. You aren’t balancing your energy properly.
● Your relationships are complex and you are not receiving adequate energy from your friends (or even family.)
You owe it to yourself to put yourself first, regardless of what other think.
Why Do We Do This?
We feel that if we don’t say “yes” we will offend people or we will not be accepted, we will make people feel like we don’t appreciate them, or that we might let others down. In this time of giving, we have to remember to give back to ourselves.
You are important. You are special. You deserve time to yourself and time for yourself. Even if it is a bubble bath or a short walk, you can say “no” to others to make some time for yourself.
It's time to make yourself a priority! Access all of my programs and pricing, including my special $10/month online membership, by clicking the button below.
Brandy Lane Hickman, NBHWC
2B Well Integrative Health Collaborative, Owner Inspired Nutrition, National Board Certified Health Coach, Kitchen Therapy
Board President, Missouri Nutrition Alliance Non-Profit
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