9 Helpful Phrases for Saying NO!

Many of us struggle to say ‘no’ when asked to do something. Why is it so difficult to say sometimes, it’s just a word, right?

Saying no doesn’t mean that you are being rude, selfish, or unkind. In fact, saying no and being able to comfortably say it is essential to your self-care.?Sometimes we feel pressurised to say yes to everyone and everything because we don’t want to let anyone down, or are worried about someone thinking negative thoughts about us.

Have you ever said yes, then regretted it afterwards and start to think about ways you can get out of it? Thinking about what excuse you can use, and then putting off breaking it to the person that you no longer can keep the commitment, which more times ends up causing way more stress and tension than if you could have just said no in the first place!

Here are 9 helpful phrases than you can use and adapt to suit you.

1. This sounds like a great opportunity, but I have to pass. Thank you for considering me!

(Polite with a compliment)

1. Thank you for thinking of me for this. I can’t take more work on right now, but please keep in touch.

(It's not personal)

1. I've got too much on my plate right now.

(I'm too busy)

1. Thank you for asking, but that isn’t going to work out for me.

(Vague but effective)

1. I can’t speak at your event, but I will help you promote it on my blog.

(5-minute favour)

1. Thanks, I’ll have to pass on that.

(Just no)

1. I just don’t have time right now. Let me recommend someone who may be able to help you.

(I Know Someone Else)

1. I appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m afraid I’m already booked that day.

(I’m Already Booked)

1. Let me tell you what I can do…

(Set Boundaries to what you can commit to)

Self-care is SO important, and can really help with stress, and finding that balance between work/ life and stress and responsibilities.

If you're interested in learning more about self-care, please download our free guide for members here