Even if you feel that time is short and that you have very little time left, the slightly hackneyed phrase “you can not pour from an empty Cup” makes a lot of sense. Isn’t it logical that the more nutrition, the more positive and love we should share with others? We think so!
And we think that taking care of yourself can be as simple as being a little kinder to yourself. So let’s look at a few ways you can practice kindness to yourself throughout the day-ideally every day if you can, but start where you are and continue along the way…
POSITIVE THINKING
Even in difficult times, positive thoughts can help us navigate these waters. If you are working towards a goal and feel that you have not made the progress you hoped for, remind yourself of your daily efforts and talk to yourself kindly about the progress you have made so far.
Look for the positive, it usually is, and it always feels better than the alternative.
MORNING WITH MINDFULNESS
What does your morning look like? I truly believe they set the tone for the day. But too many of us start by dozing off before reluctantly getting out of bed and seeing where the day takes us. Even if you’re never a morning person, that’s fine, just try to do something good for your body or spirit. It can be 5 minutes of meditation, a hearty Breakfast, your favorite yoga pose or just a pause while you enjoy your morning tea.
If you start out in a kind and positive way, it is much easier to continue this feeling throughout the day.
BECOMING FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF
Sometimes we have to be our own best friends; a soothing voice and a cheerleader when we need to be. And it’s pretty easy to do, just think about how you talk to a friend who’s had a bad day or before your current call. I have no doubt that you would be much kinder to them than to yourself. Think of the tender words and encouragement you could offer and show the same kindness.
PUT YOURSELF ON YOUR PRIORITY LIST
It’s easy to find time for others when they need it, but we rarely do the same for ourselves. It may seem strange at first, but order a 10 minute slot in your diary for yourself. You don’t need a specific reason, and you may have to resist the temptation to skip it first. But 10 minutes gives you time to breathe, pause, and gather your thoughts before moving on.
It gets easier with time and you can start adding a few short pauses every day.
RELAX AND GO SLOW
I used to think that slowing down would mean less work, but I couldn’t be more wrong! Letting go of endless to-do lists and multitasking is very liberating, and once you master the art of doing one thing at a time, you’ll never come back, I promise. Here are some more tips on how to break the cycle of employment, single-tasking, and slowdown.
BE GRACIOUS AND SMILE
I like this. Smile at others, smile when you look in the mirror, and even smile when you sit on your own! It’s an instant physical reminder that there’s something positive in your life that you should be grateful for, and it’s free.
LOOSEN UP YOUR BAGGAGE BY FORGIVING YOURSELF
To be honest, for some of us it can be a bit of a challenge. But let’s start with those little mistakes that remind us that we are human. The key is to keep a balanced perspective, and it helps when you don’t let your inner critique inflate everything out of proportion. Again, talk to yourself affectionately as if you were a friend or colleague, fix what you can, and then let go — don’t think about it all day!
SELF LOVE WITH GIFTS
Some people call it a treat, but I prefer to think of them as gifts: a bouquet of flowers, a new book, your favorite bath product or skin care. We should not feel loved only when someone else takes the time to show us how much they value us. Of course, you can also give yourself time to do what you love. Try to make a list of good gestures that will lift your spirit, and then you will have a lot of things that you can immerse yourself in for inspiration.
No matter how different our ways are and where life leads us, positivity, self-care and kindness will always help us become our best selves and create lives that benefit the people and the world around us.
