Here are some thrilling ways to escape the summer heat and enjoy the indoors to the fullest
entertainment55 minutes ago
I can never say no if anyone asks me to do something. I just get a constant feeling of regret if I do so and end up exhausting myself trying to juggle everything at once. How can I learn how to say no? – Name Withheld
Dear Writer, it is quite possible that you are not an assertive person! You may be racked by guilt after refusal for a number of reasons. It could be due to the identity that you have created — ‘helpful’, ‘friendly’, among others; people around you may also have learnt that you cannot say no, which could be taken advantage of. Sometimes, it could also be trying to please everyone and wanting to be validated as a good person. It could also be a desire not to hurt anyone. You could also be someone who hates confrontations or conflicts. These barriers for assertiveness can only be overcome when you realise that you can be good AND say no when you just cannot help them. Prioritising yourself is also equally important.
For better refusal skills, practise in graded manner, either on your own or with help of a friend. Cognitive rehearsal of past scenarios with strong confident statements can help you feel more confident. Choose situations that are common and recurring aiming for easier ones first. It’s important to use “I” statements when you refuse someone while being polite. Avoid being passive aggressive or being rude. Monitor body language and tone of your voice, having good eye contact helps immensely. Setting personal limits could also help you prevent act of juggling too many tasks. Sometimes, you may need to persist on your refusal as people may continue to ask for your assistance for the same task in different ways.
Being consistent with your refusal, therefore, will provide others a new understanding of you.
(Got a query about mental health? Email us on wknd@khaleejtimes.com)
Here are some thrilling ways to escape the summer heat and enjoy the indoors to the fullest
entertainment55 minutes ago
After a bout of torrential rain, Dubai has bounced back like no other city, with automotive events being organised in full swing and big announcements being made
auto56 minutes ago
Sounds of prayer 'hallelujah…praise the lord' filled the air as part of a religious ceremony marking the soft opening of the facility
uae1 hour ago
Afghanistan rulers are absent at the UN Human Rights Council meeting as Taliban are not recognised by the global body
asia1 hour ago
A recognition reaffirms Alaan's status as a leader in the corporate card and expense management sector in the Middle East
kt network1 hour ago
The deluge cut off a road, uprooted trees, washed away homes and sent vehicles flying
africa1 hour ago
The Gulf countries have been working on the unified tourist visa – similar to Schengen-style visa – for over one year
uae1 hour ago
Renowned French pastry chef Angelo Musa, who recently introduced two dining concepts in Dubai, shares tips on how to excel in pastry art
entertainment1 hour ago