THE POWER OF SAYING “NO”

 


One thing I have started to work on is saying “no” when I know how I will feel if I was to say “yes” to it. The power of “no” is an extremely underrated tool. 


This morning, I feel a little anxious BUT I know how much more anxious I would feel this morning had I said “yes” to having a few drinks after our softball game last night. I was asked a couple of hours prior to the game if I planned on having a few after the game. It was a gorgeous evening yesterday and sure, relaxing outside in the nice weather after a game with a cold one sounded appealing but I declined. 


Why?


With the help and conversations with a couple of friends lately, who know what I am really going through recently. I know and have made the decision that when I am going through these bouts of anxiety/depression and Im not exactly in the right state of mind that I shouldn’t drink. You see I don’t have a drinking problem or an addiction but when I am feeling anxious or depressed and my mind is racing, alcohol will elevate those feelings and emotions.


Had I had those drinks after the game, I would have woke up this morning with my anxiety 10x worse than it currently is which would have lead to a very unproductive day for me. I have to be better at saying “no” to things in moments where it is totally needed. A few hours of drinking isn’t worth the 28 to 48 hours following of anxiety and/or anxiety attacks. Anxiety aside, I feel fine today and I know its because I said no. 


My non negotiable list I am working on doing everyday no matter what are:

-Journaling my feelings and what I am grateful for

-Visualization

-Sunlight/being outside first thing in the morning for at least 10 minutes

-Mediations (I am currently using the Balance app)

-Some sort of movement


I may not be perfect but it’s things I am doing my best to stay consistent with moving forward. It’s not a cure for mental illness but it can help and if there’s a chance it can help me day to day, I have to do it. 


I share my stories and my struggles daily with everyone, it’s not easy to do but I feel it’s necessary. There are many out there afraid to let it out, myself included sometimes. I want to be a sign of hope for others struggling. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone. We will keep going.

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