Show yourself more kindness

Self-compassion is key to a healthy, happy life. It’s easy to be hard on yourself, to focus on your mistakes and shortcomings rather than your strengths and accomplishments. But when you’re kinder to yourself, you’ll be better able to cope with the inevitable ups and downs of life, and you’ll be more resilient in the face of adversity.

Here are a few simple ways to show yourself more kindness:

1. Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend. If a friend came to you with a problem, you would be understanding and supportive. So why not give yourself the same kindness and compassion?
2. Be mindful of negative self-talk. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself, acknowledge them and then reframe them in a more positive light.
3. Practice self-care. Take care of your physical and emotional well-being by eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
4. Be forgiving of yourself. Nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Remind yourself that it’s okay to mess up, and that you can learn from your mistakes.

Remember, showing yourself kindness doesn’t mean ignoring your flaws or being complacent. It simply means treating yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would show to a friend. When you’re kinder to yourself, you’ll be able to approach life with a more positive attitude and a greater sense of peace.

—MXZ+