How Assertiveness Can Help with Worry, Anxiety, and Low Mood

Ever found yourself saying "yeah, no worries" when you are, in fact, full of worries? Maybe you've agreed to help a mate move house (again) even though you'd rather be binge-watching your favourite show. Or perhaps you've let someone talk over you in a meeting, then spent the next three days replaying the conversation in the shower, thinking of all the things you should have said. If that sounds familiar, you might need a good dose of assertiveness.

Assertiveness—aka the fine art of standing up for yourself without turning into a jerk—is an underrated life skill. While it’s not a magic fix for anxiety, low mood, or stress, it can help ease them by giving you a sense of control, strengthening your relationships, and helping you express yourself in a way that feels safe and authentic.