The power of ‘no’

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by social commitments? Think of Easter or the Christmas and New Year’s period, for example. Do the gatherings, catch-ups and end-of-year events you attended truly serve you – or could you easily skip a few? (And feel happier for it.) 

There’s no question that social connection is important for our wellbeing. In fact, research from the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index – a long-term study into the wellbeing of Australians, conducted in partnership with Deakin University—tells us that strong personal relationships form part of the “golden triangle of happiness”. (The other two are financial control and having a sense of purpose.) 

But when life becomes a relentless blur of demands and expectations, the constant busyness can erode the benefits, leaving us feeling stressed and burnt out, with little time for things that support and nourish us. That could include preparing healthy meals, working out, ticking off a few household chores from our to-do list, or simply resting. 

For the sake of our real wellbeing, then, learning to set boundaries and say “no” is essential. Not only can it protect our overall health, but it also allows us to show up fully to the commitments that matter most. 

It’s pretty simple, really: when we take on too much, our wellbeing suffers. Physically, stress can lead to exhaustion and illness, while emotionally, we may feel overwhelmed or resentful. 

Learning to set boundaries helps keep us in balance, protecting our energy and allowing us to contribute meaningfully when we do say “yes”. 

Boundary-setting is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. To help you start flexing this muscle try the following tips: 

• Take a beat before committing: When asked to take on something new, give yourself time to think. A simple “let me get back to you” buys space to consider whether you can realistically take on a new commitment without compromising your wellbeing. 

• Set practical rules for yourself: Set clear limits that work for your lifestyle. For example, you might decide to attend no more than one social event per week, or you could block out downtime in your calendar. Having a visual plan helps you prioritise and avoid overloading your schedule. 

• Reframe how you see “no”:  Saying no is an act of honesty and respect that can help you develop better relationships 

• Talk to yourself like a friend: If you’re unsure whether to say “yes” or “no” to an invitation, imagine advising a friend in the same situation.  

During high-pressure periods, boundaries are particularly vital. By saying “no” to what doesn’t serve you, you can say “yes” to the commitments that matter most, ensuring you show up as your best self.

If you’re someone who tends to automatically say “yes” to every request, these are some signs that you might need to reassess your approach: 

• A constant sense of being overwhelmed, or dread 

• Feeling physically unwell or frequently getting sick 

• Friends or loved ones expressing concern about how much you’re taking on. 

If you’re not already taking advantage of the exclusive NSA member discount on Health Insurance available through Australian Unity, now is a great time to consider switching or taking out Hospital & Extras cover as you can take advantage of:  

• An exclusive 10% NSA member discount¹  

• Up to 6 weeks free when you join corporate hospital & extras or extras only by 30 June^ 

Get a quick quote online today or call 1800 224 244  

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1. 10% discount only applies to corporate products and is only available when paying by direct debit. The discount is not available through brokers or comparators and excludes Overseas Visitor Cover. This discount is not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts except a valid weeks free promotional offer or the Refer a Friend promotional offer subject to relevant T&Cs.  

^     New members on new memberships only. T&Cs apply.