Put yourself first this summer

From picnics to barbecues, it can be hard to keep up with all the fun things to do in the summer months – but you should never let the fear of saying no to an invitation allow for a build up of stress. This summer, we look at why you should put yourself first.

Everyone wants to make the most of the sunshine – after all, it isn’t something we’re always blessed with here in the UK.

One thing we have become good at over the years however is saying yes when we really want to say no.

As such, it can be a minefield navigating your way through your diary when friends, family and colleagues invite you to an event.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The importance of saying no

In any given week, one in six people in England experience mental ill health – that could be anxiety, depression or low mood.

It is at that time when people need to put themselves and their needs first. Mental health recovery and remediation is a deeply personal experience that shouldn’t be overlooked in favour of pleasing other people.

During busy periods like summer, these difficult decisions can increase significantly. That fear of letting down loved ones can often be overwhelming.

Saying no to allow time to yourself, or to do something else instead, is your right. That time could be better spent doing something you enjoy, or to decompress away from large social groups.

How to say no

It is always important to be polite. But saying no doesn’t mean you are being rude.

There is no need to be assertive, although you should never feel pressurised to justify the reasons behind your decision.

Everyone’s mental health is important and yours should come first when you consider going out of your way to please others.

Likewise, you are always free to change your mind.

So next time you receive an invite to a gathering, stop and think – what do you really want to do?

At the Charlie Watkins Foundation, we keep the legacy of Charlie and his infectious personality alive, supporting young people up and down the UK with their mental health.

If you would like to support us and our mission to improve the nation’s mental health, please consider donating here.