If being kind to yourself is a little difficult, here are few basic and bold reasons why you should. How to be kind to yourself excerises, are widely spread on the internet and there is a reason for it. We all eventually see why it is necessary.
Below are journal prompts to help you begin your journey.
We always expect kindness of others, we are expected to treat others with kindness, but, nothing beats being kind to yourself. Why is it important to be kind to yourself? How does being kind to ourselves build resilience? How does self-compassion help build relationships? And how it is the best tool for self-improvement?
Kindness is taught to be an external act. From a very young age we are taught to be kind, situational, but never really taught how to internalise this act and learn to be kind to ourselves.
Here is why it is important to be kind to yourself.
Self-compassion improves your mental health:
When you are kind to yourself, you are less likely to criticise or judge yourself harshly, which can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Self-talk, when self-critical is demoralising. Learning how to realistically understand the challenges and overcome them have more positive benefits. When we criticise ourselves and are being harsh, we normalise the harsh words towards us externally, we will also start believing them.
It helps you build resilience:
When you treat yourself with kindness, you are more likely to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. Challenges and setbacks stay as just that, challenges to overcome and setbacks that set us up for success.
We learn to focus on the achievement and not personalise it. This gives us the ability see it more realistically and result driven, often letting us grow through our the challenges.
You will be able to handle stress and difficult situations with more ease and grace. Our reactions are more controlled and stable.
It strengthens your relationships:
When you are kind to yourself, you are more likely to be kind to others. Intrinsically kind.
Other having kind or polite mannerisms, intrinsically kind let’s us see the potential of others open minded. You will be able to show empathy and understanding to those around you, which can strengthen your relationships.
It promotes self-improvement:
When you are kind to yourself, you are more likely to engage in behaviours that promote your physical and mental health.
You will be more motivated to exercise, eat well, and take care of yourself in general. It enhances your overall well-being and feel more content, fulfilled, and happy.
It can help you lead a more meaningful life.
In short, being kind to yourself is essential for your mental and physical health and every step you take towards it, will create a better life.
Journaling questions to help start being kind to yourself:
Here are some journal questions that will help start your journey on being kind to yourself. Self-compassion and honesty is key when answering.
What brought you to the decision to be kind to yourself?
When you are unkind, what happens? How fo you feel?
Where you are unkind and upset, where does the emotion sit in your body?
Upon reflection, when being self-critical, how do you feel? What emotions and feelings do you experience before, during and after?
What are 3 things in your life that will improve when you begin to start being kind to yourself?
What is one thing you can do immediately to show yourself kindness?
Two question that helps us face challenges on a daily basis is: What challenges could U be faced with today? And, How can I manage this while being self-compassionate?
Remember, no one is truly kind till they learn to be kind to themselves.
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