SAYING "NO"...... A GIFT OF SELF-CARE

Our lives are always so busy. When we don't take time out for ourselves, we do get stressed. A toxic dose of that stress hormone, cortisol, can lead to chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia or even cancer.

Saying “no” on occasion is a powerful gift we can give ourselves so that we have the energy to focus on what matters most and is better for our health: like being with friends and family, or spending time with a good book.  

 Here are three helpful tips to slow down and set boundaries so you can enjoy your life so much more.

1. Get comfortable with saying the word “No”—Nicely. It can feel awful to say no to help someone else but making yourself a priority is an act of self-compassion that can help prevent burnout— take time out to walk the dog, go to your favourite yoga class or soak in a bath. In the end, you will be more focused and engaged in the activities you commit to do.

2. Take time out to breathe – whether its 3 deep breaths, 3 minutes of quiet time or a 20-minute meditation session. There are enormous benefits of breathing more consciously. Invite a friend  to yoga & meditation classes to reflect and set your intention for being more present and centred..

3. Finally, say “thank you”—and mean it. We give and receive—whether it’s a home cooked meal, a donation to charity, or simply a present. It's easy to end up in “gratitude autopilot,” going through the motions of thankfulness without truly appreciating what was gained. Try a mindful scan of the body just after every time your say “thanks” or “thank you”.   Notice how you feel.
 
Yogarama's yoga and mindful meditation classes explore filling up our hearts with self-compassion so we can give to others. The focus is on the breath (pranayama), asanas (yoga poses) and calming meditation.

---