Writer suggests a 'say no' retreat to reclaim time from dreaded plans

Multiple public radio outlets including krcu.org, tpr.org, and kunc.org reported on a concept introduced by writer Caroline Sylge, who encourages people to take a 'say no' retreat. This retreat involves dedicating a day to reflect on and cancel upcoming obligations that cause stress or dread.

Sylge, author of How to Retreat: A Guide to Stepping Away from the Everyday to Find Space for Yourself, developed this exercise after 30 years of experience with health and wellness retreats. She emphasizes that people often say yes to commitments for reasons unrelated to their well-being, such as social pressure or fear of missing out.

The suggested process includes choosing a day to focus on saying no, finding a comfortable place for reflection, listing all unwanted commitments first thing in the morning, and then spending time in nature to think further. Afterward, individuals revisit their list to add more items and finally decline some plans.

Sylge acknowledges that saying no can be uncomfortable but describes it as an act of self-respect. She suggests this practice is especially useful with the holidays approaching, as it can create space for more meaningful activities.

This idea was shared in several outlets including krcu.org, tpr.org, and kunc.org, highlighting a growing interest in wellness strategies that help people manage their time and commitments more intentionally.