Life is hectic and busy and seems to never slow down. That being said, it’s so easy to let things pile up without even realizing it. Picking up extra shifts at work, signing up for another volunteer opportunity, deciding to become involved in a new organization or advocate for a cause, scheduling coffee dates with old friends, making time to go to the gym, running errands…when do we remember to schedule time for ourselves? People have become so ridiculously accustomed to only saying and hearing the word “yes” that we no longer know when to put our foot down, or how to accept the word “no.”

Typically, life can be very fulfilling when you are busy because it is full of things and people you love. You may think that it’s in your best interest to keep a crammed schedule because that’s the only way to do everything you want to get done. I myself am extremely guilty of this because there are always more things that I want to invest myself in. However, it is equally as important to live a fulfilling life as it is to know when to say no and allow yourself time to breathe. If you only have one day a week where you don’t have anything going on, don’t feel like you are forced to make plans or do things. It’s okay to turn people down because it’s not always necessary to say yes. Saying no doesn’t mean “I don’t want to spend time with you” or “you’re not important to me.” Rather, it’s natural to want and need time to yourself and sometimes saying no is the only option to make this possible.

Another bad outcome that can come from not saying no is constantly overbooking yourself. Running from one thing right to another and never having time in between things. Or, not being able to focus enough attention on certain people or situations because you have too many other things to deal with. It’s fulfilling to be busy and occupied, but it’s also critical to give yourself time to breathe or do things you want and take some alone time.

No matter how extroverted a person may be, it’s still essential to remember to take time for yourself. Alone time or time spent doing things you enjoy allows you to reconnect with yourself and how you’re doing both physically and mentally. It allows you to recharge and reestablish emotional stability. It’s not a bad thing to say no because, when it comes down to it, we all need that time.