Why saying “yes” to yourself is important

Many of us find it difficult to say no to others. We often feel that if we don’t help someone, they will reject us or feel offended; if we say yes, it will make us a good person.

It can be easy to feel that the time we take to relax, meditate or just chill out could be better used “doing something”. However, taking this much-needed time out doesn’t make us selfish people, nor is it time wasted.

By taking these moments to lower our blood pressure and release stress, we are immediately creating a more harmonious environment.

Often taking time out to be quiet can help us calm our nerves and feelings that may otherwise overwhelm us. We are able to breathe through the anger, resentment and frustration so that we can go about our day in peace. When we take this time to relax, we feel good and feeling good helps us to be far more productive than if we were in a bad mood.

Rather than being selfish or lazy, meditation is one of the least selfish things we can do. Saying “no” to others means we are saying “yes” to ourselves, which ultimately, has a greater benefit on all of those around us.

Nobody can change our habits or routine except from ourselves. For relaxation and meditation to work, we need to honour ourselves by making time.

Entering the quiet

When the mind is stressed, it can see life as a burden or a chore, whereas a relaxed mind meets life with compassion and dignity. Taking the time to meditate is not the same as going for a relaxing walk or listening to peaceful music. While these are great activities to promote relaxation and peacefulness, they are not the same as simply being still.

Just ten minutes of stillness a day can be effective.

• Sit comfortably with your back straight.
• Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.
• Close your eyes and breathe normally.
• Count silently at the end of each breath.
• Count to five, then start again.