Are you too hard on yourself? We get it – we sometimes are too. But if you offer compassion to others, shouldn’t you grant yourself that same privilege? It can be hard to quiet self-criticism, so if you aren’t sure where to start, that’s okay. Try these five ways to show yourself compassion.
Be Kind
You’ve heard that you should treat others the way that you want to be treated. But what about how to treat yourself? Make an active, intentional effort to be kind to yourself. There are many ways to do this, but here are a few ideas:
- Me Time: Take a few hours alone to do whatever the heck you want. Grab a coffee, get a pedicure, or take a nap…you’ve earned it!
- Celebrate Growth: You don’t have to throw a party for yourself (but we would approve if you did) to recognize personal or professional growth. Celebrate your achievements, whether with a physical reward or a mental compliment.
- Journal It: Track your thoughts, and refer back to them to make sure they’re getting kinder every day.
Be Mindful
Get in tune with yourself. You’d be surprised how much our bodies and minds tell us about what we need! Gratitude journaling or meditation can help you become more aware and present, which will allow you to show yourself some much-deserved compassion.
Outsource
Don’t feel guilty about asking for help. Hire a professional organizer, let a stylist do your hair and makeup for an event, or get a babysitter to enjoy a night out.
Take a Break
Mindfulness and compassion do not come automatically. You need to take breaks from your busy schedule to empty your brain and push away any stressors. Just close your eyes and take a breath. This will give you a second to consider your reaction to situations and lower your stress levels.
Forgive and Forget
Remind yourself that nobody is perfect – nor should you try to be! Everything you do will have some mistakes. All you can do is pay attention to them, reflect on them, and learn from them. Instead of getting mad or sad, forgive yourself. Try not to dwell. It is healthier to make a mental note of the lesson learned, then move on.
When we’re overly critical of ourselves, we often forget that we deserve self-compassion. Try these tips to make progress toward showing yourself compassion.