7 Ways You Can Be Kind to Yourself

We know how to show kindness to others, but are we treating ourselves with the kindness that we deserve? There are so many ways we are unkind to ourselves, whether when we talk negatively to ourselves or fail to forgive ourselves for our past mistakes. Showing kindness to ourselves helps us heal and be kinder to everyone around us. In case you do not know how to do this, here is where to start.

 

1. Forgive yourself for your past mistakes.

We’ve all made mistakes and will still do, it is part of life, and this is how we grow and learn. Don’t be harsh on yourself for the mistakes you make. Learn to forgive yourself just as you forgive others. Don’t dwell on the past, move forward.

 

2. Thank yourself for how far you’ve come.

Always remind yourself of the accomplishments you made, no matter how small. Remind yourself of how you managed to heal your broken heart and how you held yourself with strength in hard times. Give yourself recognition for every time you fought for something or persisted to reach a goal.

 

3. Practise self-care.

Take some time off to focus on yourself only. Self-care comes in many forms. Get enough good quality sleep, eat healthy food, and have a walk in nature. Pamper yourself with the things you love, whether it is a nice trip to relax, some unwinding time at the spa, listening to music, or drawing; whichever activities that make you happy.

 

4. Manage your stress.

Don’t overwhelm yourself to the point of burnout. Whenever you feel like there is so much going on and that your stress levels are peaking, try to take a break and slow down the rush around you. Don’t burden yourself with more than you can handle at the time.

 

5. Remind yourself of your good qualities.

Silence your inner critic and remind yourself of your good qualities. Take time to acknowledge the good things about you whether it is a good sense of humor, flexibility, perseverance, or whatever other qualities you love about yourself. 

 

6. Stop striving for perfection.

Be easy on yourself and accept that perfection is unattainable. Whatever standards of perfection society have forced upon us, this is not realistic. We all have imperfections that we need to accept and embrace. If there’s one thing you should aim for is just to improve, not being perfect.

 

7. Respect yourself

Treat yourself with respect so that others respect you. You set an example for how you want to be treated. Never allow anyone to walk all over you or cross your boundaries. Don’t allow others to dictate your values or opinions.