Being kind to yourself takes many forms. Sometimes it’s taking a mental health day, other times it’s finally cleaning the house after putting it off for weeks, and sometimes it means cooking instead of ordering in a takeaway. Being kind is a big form of self care, but so many people don’t quite know how to manage it.
But it doesn’t need to be the summertime with the sun out for you to start treating yourself right. You can do this any time of year, especially when you really need a bit of TLC – if you can depend on yourself, you won’t need anyone else! And with that in mind, here are some of the best ways to be nicer to yourself that won’t take much effort.
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Counteract Negative Thinking
Anytime you have something negative to think about yourself, have a mind to counteract the thought with a positive one. If you don’t like the way your hair sits today, for example, think about the time and effort you put into it. Or if you’re not sure about the way you look, pinpoint something you always like the look of.
Soon you’ll be able to do this without consciously thinking about it – it’ll just be natural to think positive things. You’ll feel much stronger and confident, and all because you took the time to be kinder to yourself. Change often starts with our thought patterns!
Take Stress Seriously
Stress affects all of us, but quite a few people tend to downplay its effects. And even when you know just how important mental health strategies are, it can be hard to keep them in mind when it comes to yourself. Indeed, stress management techniques can go out the window as soon as you feel pressure on your own shoulders – you must just be making a big deal out of nothing, right?
Wrong! Taking stress seriously at all times means you put yourself first. You need to prioritise your own ability to stay calm and feel lighter at times when things are piling on top of you. You deserve to have just as much support during these moments as you would want to give anyone else!
Schedule in Some More Treats
And finally, why not give yourself a reward at the end of the week? Head out on the town with friends, or host a small party at home for your loved ones? Just something nice to do that you know you’ll have a great time doing – treats like these are incredibly motivating when it comes to positivity in your life.
And remember: the more you have fun in your life, the more fun will naturally come your way. Because if you start being the kind of person you’d want to have as a friend, you’ll soon have a lot more self esteem to rely on! That makes being kind to yourself a lot easier.
Turn your kindness inwards every so often; start small to help yourself adjust.
This post is in collaboration, however all opinions are my own.
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