Day 222 - A Year to Clear - Ways to Opt Out Gracefully

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Lesson 222: Ways to Opt Out Gracefully

In the spirit of self-care, there is an element of letting go. Letting go obligation to others, detaching yourself from being in control and not worrying about the world around you as you focus on self. It can really take effort on your part to switch off when you’re so used to being on the go.

So, what are some methods to opt out? As previously mentioned on posts, you can say no to people in a nice way. Just politely declining invitations out to advise you have plans is a good way to go. No explanation needed. Self-care is something you need and don’t have to apologise for.

Another method is to switch your phone off and allow it to go to voicemail. You can even mention to people who contact you daily that you are having a technology free day, so that no one worries where you are. You’ll be perfectly safe doing whatever activity nourishes you and stepping away from technology is a good way. This also allows you to stay away from social media and get sucked into things that don’t serve you well. Post on your wall as well that you are stepping away from social media.

Like the above, you can place an away message on your emails. All emails have that functionality so just advise people that you’re unavailable is another method.

Keep a weekend free for yourself. Don’t make any concrete plans for your self-care but blocking out your calendar that may be visible to others is a way of letting others know that you are busy.

If you’re house sharing, just place a do not disturb or quiet time sign on your door. This allows people to know that you’re occupied and that they won’t disturb you. This may help also in your family home, for example if you decide to take a cleansing bath and want to relax, having a quiet sign will allow you to just slip away to reset.

Book a getaway. If you’re travelling away from where you live, then usually you’d notify people and this will have less likelihood of people interrupting your time away. Travelling also allows you to be in a different space than your own and you can move freely in whatever activity you need for self-care.

Make the time for self-care and if you’re worried you won’t be able to tell people you’re busy, then try a few of these methods out. The most important thing is to not feel bad for doing something for your self.