by Sunshima Team
Who is the person you criticise and judge the most? If the answer is yourself then this blog about self-kindness was written for you! After all who deserves compassion, patience, and understanding more than the person we’re with the most. So here are seven gentle tips to help you be kind to yourself every day.
1. Start Your Day with a Positive Intention
Setting a positive intention in the morning can set the tone for a kinder day. Rather than jumping straight into tasks, take a moment to think about how you’d like to treat yourself that day. For example, you might set an intention like “I will speak to myself gently,” or “I’ll take breaks when I need them.” By giving yourself a daily intention, you’re reminding yourself to approach the day with self-compassion, even when challenges arise.
2. Practice Gentle Self-Talk
The inner chatter in our heads has a big impact on how we feel about ourselves. If you find that your self-talk often leans toward criticism, try to pause and replace harsh words with gentler, more understanding ones. For example, if you catch yourself saying, “I should have done better,” try rephrasing it to, “I did my best, and that’s enough.” Remember we are all human and worthy of patience and understanding.
3. Set Small, Nourishing Goals
While setting big goals is often part of self-improvement, setting small, nourishing goals can be an act of kindness. This could be as simple as aiming to get outside for a few minutes, drink more water, or take a short break during work. These little goals are easy to achieve and can have a big impact on how you feel throughout the day. Each time you check one off, it’s a reminder that you’re taking good care of yourself, step by step.
4. Embrace Breaks Without Guilt
Many of us have been conditioned to think that productivity is more valuable than rest but giving yourself breaks is an essential part of self-kindness. Whether it’s a quick stretch, a short walk, or a few deep breaths away from your screen, remember that rest isn’t just a reward—it’s a necessity. When you take a break, allow yourself to enjoy it fully without guilt, after all it can help prevent burnout, giving you the energy to approach the rest of your day with positivity.
5. Treat Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
Self-kindness also means being forgiving with yourself. Mistakes are a natural part of growth, but it’s easy to be hard on ourselves when things don’t go to plan. When you make a mistake, try to see it as an opportunity to learn rather than something to regret. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” and remember everyone makes mistakes. By treating mistakes with patience and curiosity, you’re creating a kinder and more resilient mindset.
6. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Creating a positive environment can be a wonderful act of self-kindness. This might mean spending time with supportive people, filling your space with things that make you feel good, such as your favourite music or inspiring books. By fostering a positive environment, you’re giving yourself a safe space where kindness and care can flourish.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Every day, there are little victories worth celebrating. It could be finishing a task, making time for a healthy meal, or simply showing up when it’s hard. Take a moment each day to recognise these small wins and literally pat yourself on the back. Recognising small successes can boost your mood and progress no matter how small, is always worth celebrating.
Self-kindness isn’t always easy, and it can be hard to switch off our self-critic, however by practicing being kind to yourself, you’re not only caring for yourself in the present but also creating a habit that supports your well-being in the long run!