No is the new yes 😉🚪

Day 8 of 5-Minute Challenge

Mar 22, 2025

💌 M(AI)VENS on the Move
The scoop from a bestie who’s all about AI and real connections (yes, we can be great at both!)

Hello M(AI)VENS,

Today’s challenge is all about AI for Digital Detox & Setting Boundaries—because sometimes, the best use of AI is helping us spend less time on screens and more time in the real world.

I’m sure you agree — as women, we juggle a lot. It’s easy to scroll a little longer, check one more email, or say yes to something we don’t really have time for. But you—and your time—deserve better boundaries.

Today, AI is here to help you protect your valuable time, spark screen-free ideas, and support more presence in your day. Let’s jump in.

✅ Step 1: Create New Screen-Free Routines

Sometimes the hardest part of logging off is having a plan for what to do instead. AI can help you build a calming, phone-free evening routine that feels good for you, your partner, and/or your family.

🧠 Try This Prompt:
"Create a peaceful, phone-free evening routine that helps me be more present with my family. Include 3 non-digital activities."

💡 Example ideas AI might suggest:
✔️ A sunset walk together
✔️ Journaling or sharing gratitude around the dinner table
✔️ Prepping breakfast together for the next day

🧠 Try This Prompt:
"What are 5 fun, screen-free activities I can do tonight to relax and recharge—solo or with my family?"

💡 Example activities:
✔️ Try a new recipe together
✔️ Work on a puzzle or craft
✔️ Listen to music or an audiobook (no screen needed!)
✔️ Play a board game or card game

✨ Tip: You can ask AI to customize your list based on your mood, energy level, or who you’re with (kids, pets, partner, solo night, etc.).

✅ Step 2: Practice Saying No (Without Guilt)

Let’s talk about something so many of us struggle with: saying no—especially when someone asks us to volunteer or take on “just one more thing.”

And the research backs this up:

📌 A study in the American Economic Review found that women are 48% more likely to volunteer for tasks with low promotability in mixed-gender groups and 50% more likely to say yes when asked, compared to men. These “unpromotable tasks” take up valuable time and energy — without advancing our careers. (Source)

📌 Another report highlights that women are 44% more likely to be asked to take on volunteer or service work—and 50% more likely to agree. (Conferences for Women)

💡 Bottom line? This is real. And it’s why practicing this boundary-setting matters so much.

✍️ Try This Prompt:

"Draft a kind email declining a volunteer request due to time constraints but expressing gratitude for being asked."

✨ Example from AI:
"Thank you so much for thinking of me for this opportunity. Right now, my schedule is fully committed, so I need to pass. I truly appreciate being considered and wish you the best with the project!"

Additionally, especially for women business leaders and entrepreneurs, the "pick your brain" requests are another common situation where women feel pressure to say yes.

✍️ Bonus Prompt — “Can I Pick Your Brain?” Requests:

"Draft a professional but kind email declining a request to 'pick my brain' due to time constraints, while offering a respectful alternative."

✨ Example from AI:
"Thank you so much for reaching out! I truly appreciate your interest in connecting. Right now, my schedule is fully booked, so I’m unable to set up a one-on-one meeting. However, if you’d like to share a specific question via email, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction when I have a moment. Wishing you all the best with your project!"

💡 Why it matters: This sets a clear boundary while offering an alternative on your terms—protecting your time and your relationships.

✅ Pro Tip: Save a few versions of these scripts for the future—you’ll feel empowered having one ready when you need it.

✅ Step 3: Discover a Good Book

Ready to swap screen time for a good old-fashioned book you can hold in your hands? Let AI help you build your next reading list.

🧠 Try This Prompt:
"I loved [insert favorite book or author]. Can you recommend 3 fiction and 3 non-fiction books I’d love reading in print?"

✨ Challenge: Commit to picking up one book from your local library or bookstore. Replace 20 minutes of scrolling this week with reading—you’ll thank yourself.

✅ Step 4: Find (or Create!) Connection

Digital detox can also mean being intentional about how you connect. AI can help brainstorm ideas or even draft an invitation.

🧠 Try This Prompt:
"What are 5 types of local groups or clubs focused on wellness, creativity, or mindfulness that I could join?"

✨ Bonus Experiment:
Prompt: "Write a fun invitation to start a screen-free book club [or walking group] I can share with others in my community."

📩 Invitation from Me!

Are you looking for a support system to disconnect, get outside, take more walks, enjoy nature? I get it! I’d love to invite you to my free Walking Club—a Facebook group where we encourage each other to take walks for physical and mental wellness. No pressure—just support and encouragement. You can join us here.

🌿 Reflection for Today:

Today, as part of our wellness & self-care theme, we used AI as a tool to protect our time, build better boundaries, and reconnect in real life.

📝 Share in the group: What’s one screen-free thing you’re committing to this week? I’d love to hear your ideas—and maybe borrow a few! 😉