Twelve easy ways to be gentler with yourself
Here are twelve ways to be gentle with yourself today. Which one are you going to try? Kindness starts with just one different choice.
1. Be gentle with your muscles: As you read this, stretch your neck out by circling it around gently or roll your shoulders out.
2. Be gentle with your heart: If you’re feeling a difficult emotion, put your hand on your heart and say, “I know this is hard. I’m here for you.”
3. Be gentle with your mental load: Unapologetically strike one thing off your to-do list. Goodbye!
4. Be gentle with your eyes: If you’re able, go for a walk and enjoy looking around at the world around you.
5. Be gentle with your brain: When you start feeling frazzled or overwhelmed, pause and take a five minute break. You’ll be far better equipped to deal with your challenge afterward.
6. Be gentle with your goals: Ask yourself, how could I approach this task or goal in a more joyful or kind way?
7. Be gentle with your loved ones: Send a loving text to someone who matters to you. You're not separate from them; when you do this, it spreads kindness within you.
8. Be gentle with your needs: Ask for help with what you need, using a phrase like, “I would love your help right now if you’re available. Could you please do [task] by [deadline]?”
9. Be gentle with your humanity: When you make a mistake, instead of saying “I’m an idiot,” say “Oops, that happened!” It helps to replace your default self-talk.
10. Be gentle with your wants: Think, “What would I love to eat right now?” and make or buy it, and most importantly – let yourself really savor it.
11. Be gentle with your evenings: Tonight, turn off your phone earlier than usual and read a book or watch a movie.
12. Be gentle with your expectations: If you don’t get to everything today, let yourself off the hook. Say: “I don’t need to do it all. I just need to show up and keep trying."
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