When you look in the mirror, are your thoughts for yourself kind, or critical? Do you see extra weight and tired eyes, or are you admiring how much your posture has improved?
If your perspective is focused on what needs changing, then start first with your attitude towards yourself. Adopting an attitude of self- kindness means doing things that are nurturing, caring and compassionate towards yourself.
Acts of self-kindness that lead to better self-care may include:
- Taking a warm bath
- Going for a walk or jog
- Eating a nourishing meal
- Enjoying a well-deserved day off
These behaviors of self-compassion relate positively to the body and mind simultaneously. Treating oneself with compassion is a skill set that can be learned. It starts with understanding that treating oneself harshly is only going to make it harder to get through the tough times in life. Additionally, self-soothing behaviors that are calming, generally help us get through the roadblocks of life and make distress more tolerable.
Over the last decade, research has shown a consistent positive correlation between self-compassion and psychological well-being. People with self-compassion have also been shown to have greater social connectedness, emotional intelligence and overall life satisfaction. Self-compassion is not self-indulgence.