How to Say Yes to the Good Stuff

As we return to regularly scheduled life, we are already seeing an untick in stress related to busy schedules. April is Stress Awareness month, making this the perfect time to make deliberate decisions about just how busy we want to be. The lockdown and pandemic forced us all to slow down a bit and this month, as life continues to swing back to its old hectic pace, we encourage you to be deliberate in what you say ‘yes’ to. This is a perfect time to scale back what were truly over-scheduled and over-stressed lives. So, this month --Stress Awareness Month -- we suggest you give yourself permission to make adjustments that will help you and yours stay calm, which will help you live a healthier life.

Stress is a significant contributor to a wide range of health issues, from headaches to high blood pressure. Mental health seeps into nearly every system of the body, and every patient can benefit from reducing stress. You can learn more about the impact of stress and discover links to relaxation techniques and yoga on the National Institutes of Health, here.

One of the simplest ways to manage stress is to manage your time. As you return to your pre-pandemic life, we encourage you to consider what you commit to, and if it will help reduce your stress, say ‘yes to less’. Here are some tips:

Be honest: Don’t hesitate to share that you have too much on your plate and don’t want to add more. We’ve all been in your shoes, and you don’t need to apologize if you decline an offer.

Choose carefully: There are only so many hours in the day. Prioritize based on what is essential and provides you with a positive or meaningful experience.

Nothing is forever: You can change your mind. If it makes you nervous to say ‘no’ to activities or functions, remember that you can always add it back.

Ask for help: Share your goal of a less stressful life with your partner or a friend and ask for their help staying accountable and true to your goal.

Stress comes in positive and negative forms. Just as a workout builds muscle, some stresses are good for you. For help sorting them out, consider whether the stress is negatively impacting your body in the form of sleep, eating habits or unhealthy habits. For more help, discuss stress with your provider during your annual well check.