NOvember November is for Saying “No”
November is a great time to introduce a little “No” into your life. “No” gets a bad rap. However, sometimes amidst the positivity and flow of yes, a solid “No” can – and should – be the healthy answer.
Who hasn’t had a hard time saying no. Saying no is hard! It’s especially hard when you’re a people-pleaser. There are a lot of you out there! No is a decision. Yes, is a responsibility. When you make the decision to say “No,” it can feel really good to say, because it means you’re saying yes to something better.
Saying “No” takes a little practice. So, let’s take on a NOvember challenge together. I want you to say “No” to one thing every day for the entire month of NOvember. After a while, you’ll start getting good at saying yes to the right things. You can start small. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Here are a few examples. Want another sugar in your coffee? No. One more round of drinks? No. Want French fries with that burger? No.
Give yourself permission to say no without feeling guilty. Setting boundaries is healthy. You need to learn to respect and take care of yourself. Your self-care is always a valid excuse to say no.
Say NO to Skipped Workouts
The days are starting to get shorter and it’s getting cold out there! Now more than ever, you may struggle to manage your workout. After a long day of work, who doesn’t want to skip a trip to the gym in favor of some wine and a Netflix binge. Be honest though. You’re always busy. Why question your date with exercise now? Busy people make the time and get the job done! Yes, you can be busy and fit.
Make your next workout something fun and be creative. Invite a friend to join you for a Halloween-candy-busting sweat session! Try a new group fitness class at the gym! Schedule your workouts into your calendar like you would an important meeting or appointment. Bosses don’t cancel.
Say NO to Cheat Meals
The holiday madness has begun. The season’s standard hectic pace combined with an abundance of treats and food-related gatherings makes it easy to declare cheat meals. Before you know it, your cheat days have turned into cheat weeks and you are on your way to falling off the weight loss wagon. As a result, your health, your waistline and your self-esteem will suffer.
Just as we must avoid skipping our workouts, we also must avoid slipping into poor eating habits. Holiday leftovers and fast-food order-to-go meals become an easy, convenient solution when we’re too tired or just not in the mood to cook. Listen Karen, you can do so much better!
You may think you deserve to pile your plate high, grab a burger and fries on the go, or sample the entire dessert table. However, a season of good health is what you really deserve.
Say NO to Over-Commitment
You don’t need to gift your time to everyone in a show of gratitude and love throughout the holidays. Overextending yourself will only burn you out and set you up for failure. Avoid last-minute commitments. Volunteer your time and your energy in accordance with your priorities. You don’t need to bake cookies for your entire office to show your level of commitment. Place more emphasis on the little things. Phone a lonely friend, help at a school party or prepare a meal for a neighbor in need.
Keep commitments reasonable so you can focus on essentials, like your workout, good health and those fitness goals you still hope to accomplish before the end of the year. Be sure to set aside time in your schedule for rest and relaxation. Days reserved “just for you” or “just for family” are just as important.
Say NO to Excess
With holidays fast approaching the internet is overloaded with ideas for the best gifts, meals and decorations. This kicks off subsequent shopping, stressing, prepping and cooking.
You can prepare wholesome, clean foods that are full of flavor without a lot of fuss. Rather than extravagant (often fattening) recipes, serve fresh fruit and cheeses with your specialty entrees.
Minimize expectations for the upcoming weeks. You will be less disappointed and more grateful. Know your limits and respect them. Remember the limits of those in your life as well. Jumping through holiday hoops won’t help anyone, including yourself.
Learn to Let Go
When you fail to say “No,” let it go. It’s okay if you’re not perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. We all slip up from time to time. Skipped workouts, cheat meals and moments of disregard to our health happen to the best of us. They are not at all indicative of how the future will play out.
Make yourself a priority once in a while. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary. You’re one person and you can’t do it all. Comfort and self-care can help avoid burnout and help you recover from the hustle and bustle of life’s obligations.
In Conclusion
November is a great time to introduce a little “No” into your life. Learn to just say “No.” No explanation. No excuse. No apology. No regrets.
This November, focus on developing and maintaining healthy habits. A future of good health is what you really deserve! There’s no better time to get started than now. Good luck to you!
“Saying Yes to happiness, means learning to say no to things and people that stress you out.” Thema Davis
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