The Power of Saying No and Its Impact on Our Happiness On and Off the Yoga Mat August 9 2026

The power of no. How often do you find yourself saying yes when you really want to say no? I have found that during my life I have done this for different reasons.  In our professional life we say yes as we are starting a career and want to build experience, credibility and be seen as a team player. For some of us it then becomes an integral part of our professional life. Working 60 hours a week, trying to balance family life? But when the boss, on his way out to golfing “with clients”, asks you to take on a “special” project?  Sure, would love to, thanks for the opportunity. Problem employee on their way to being let go, maybe you could take him on your team? Sure, happy to try.  You get the drift! And along the way you find that you are disillusioned, feeling overwhelmed, under appreciated and have compromised who you are. What starts out as a well-intentioned effort becomes soul crushing.

We often do the same in our personal life. Take on yet another hobby or activity because it sounds fun or we don’t want to miss out because “everyone” is doing it?  Meeting with friends for drinks when you really want to be on the couch with tea?

As a result, the things that we should focus on get short shrift. We get so overwhelmed by keeping the lids on the pots that nothing gets done well; the things that truly bring us satisfaction, joy, sense of accomplishment are set aside for when we have time. We are exhausted, burnt out and missing out on what is important. I got so hyper focused on work that I missed my son Sam’s preschool graduation. I am relieved to report that at 28; the scarring he experienced from that event has faded.😅

Along the way I discovered something life changing. The power of no, and ways to say no by saying yes. Would you be able to get this business done in 3 weeks? Yes, of course, if the client provides all the information by tomorrow (which they will not). Would you like to chair the fundraising committee as well as the finance committee? I would love to assist in fundraising; however, I would hate to diminish my role on my existing committee. And my favorite one, I cannot do X, Y or Z, I have a prior commitment. Prior commitment is you, taking care of yourself, finding time for the things that are important to you. Saying no is not about rejecting people or shirking responsibility, it is about being realistic about over committing, becoming burned out or missing out on what is truly important to you. The gift of saying no allows you to say yes to the things that align with your vaules, bring you joy; the things which should be nonnegotiable.   

Invoking No/Boundaries In Our Practice

In our yoga practice we can practice no by honoring our practice limits, set clear boundaries and choose rest when we need it. These techniques will serve us well off the mat as well. We will practice what feels comfortable and right and forgo what does not. Using our focused breathing will help us activate our parasympathetic nervous system. We will lower stress and say no with calm and steadiness.

Poses that we may use to invoke therse boundaries could be the warrior poses and child’s pose. Warrior poses help us build fiery strength, invoke courage and provide space. When we come to child’s pose, we are turning away from external demands, calming ourselves and protecting our energy.

Meditating On No/Boundaries

“The only people upset about you setting limits are the ones who were benefiting from you having none" ~ Nedra Glover Tawwab

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” ~ Brené Brown

“No is a complete sentence.” ~  Anne Lamott

See you on the mat!

Namaste,

Julia Anne