Assertiveness isn’t usually on the list of ways to reduce stress.
You may be surprised by how much becoming more assertive can improve your mood.
Being assertive comes naturally to some, but it is also a skill that can be learned.
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And there are many advantages of becoming more assertive, making it worth the effort.
Benefits of Being Assertive
Assertive people tend to havefewer conflictsin their dealings with others.
This translates intoless stressin their everyday lives.
This also helps withstress managementand even leads to ahealthier body.
Studies have also found that assertiveness is positively associated with self-esteem.
In other words, the more assertive you are, the better you tend to think of yourself.
Assertiveness Versus Other Communication Styles
Sometimes people confuse assertiveness with other relationship-based behaviors.
How does being assertive compare to being aggressive orpassive, specifically?
In contrast, individuals behaving aggressively tend to employ tactics that are disrespectful,manipulative, demeaning, orabusive.
Aggressiveness can alienate others and create unnecessary stress.
Over time, people who behave aggressively can have a string of failed relationships and little social support.
They dont always understand that this is related to their own behavior.
Ironically, they may feel like victims themselves.
Assertiveness Compared to Passiveness
Passive individualsare the direct opposite of assertive.
They let their needs go unmet, so others win while they lose out.
Passive behavior damages relationships in the long run, sometimesturning them toxic.
This pop in of communication style can be damaging to a relationship as well.
What Does Assertiveness Look Like?
A passive response would be to let the person stay in front of you and say nothing at all.
Scenario B:Your friend calls to vent about their bad day.
Unfortunately, you have a lot of work to do and dont have time to talk.
I have my own problems!
I feel that way too because I keep getting interrupted."
Id love to talk to you about it, but I dont have the time right now.
Can we chat later tonight?
If you answered yes to several of these, you may benefit from learning a few assertiveness skills.
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Unal S.Evaluating the effect of self-awareness and communication techniques on nurses' assertiveness and self-esteem.Contemp Nurse.
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