'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #2 Set Boundaries

[AARPRachelA]

We all know that dreaded moment when you agree to one commitment too many. You can’t think of a good way to say no, so you say yes, and immediately regret it as your stress level rises. That's why setting boundaries is so important. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Family, friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.

Thinking about setting boundaries is oftentimes easier than actually setting boundaries with others, especially when your M.O. is being agreeable. One tool I like to use is the 3-second yes. 

The next time someone asks you for something, make it your intention to wait 3 full seconds before saying yes. It might feel awkward at first, but this countdown will help your stress or nervousness settle. It gives you time to respond rather than react.

Use the time to think through 3 very important questions before you say “yes”:

●︎ Do I really have the time?

●︎ Is this worth a yes?

●︎ What does my gut say?

What tips do you have for setting boundaries? What works for you?

Check out the other tips and kick that holiday stress to the curb!

• 'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #1 Plan
• 'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #3 Moderation
• 'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #4 Practice Gratitude
• 'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #5 Exercise
• 'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #6 Get Enough Sleep
• 'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #7 Practice Kindness
• 'Tis the Season to Curb Stress: Tip #8 Spend Time with People You Enjoy

For additional brain health tips and tools, visit Staying Sharp now.

[JaniceC910958]

What Fido you mean by a 3 second Yes?

[AARPRachelA]

Hi @JaniceC910958 👋 It means to take at least 3 seconds before you say yes to something in order to think through these questions:

●︎ Do I really have the time?

●︎ Is this worth a yes?

●︎ What does my gut say?

This allows you to be more intentional with what you say yes to.

[2Papa]

I know what you mean.  It seems I am having Christmas Eve dinner at three different places.  Now what?

[AARPRachelA]

That sounds exhausting 😰 just eat real quick and then move on to the next. Hopefully, you'll get lots of tasty bites!