Perhaps you are celebrating Valentine’s Day by treating someone you love to something nice. Or maybe you are hoping the whole day will just slip by as quickly as possible. Either way, here are some tips for showing yourself a bit of love and kindness today - we often find this so much harder than lavishing love on others.
Say something nice to yourself. Doesn’t have to be out loud on the bus - probably best it isn’t really - but something genuine said to yourself, from yourself is every bit as good as anything anyone else could say. Start small if you feel uncomfortable: acknowledge that you made an awesome cuppa or that you really like your nose. Work up to reminding yourself that you’re a good person doing their best and that you deserve a break. Which brings me onto my next point…
Give yourself a break. It might be an evening off with your feet up, putting that fine nose into a good book. Taking a bubble bath. Treating yourself to your favourite chocolate or a new album. Maybe even just 5 minutes between other things to take some deep breaths and do nothing much. Life can be relentless: you deserve some time out.
Laugh. Comedy shows cheer me right up, and a book that makes me laugh out loud is a treasure. Laughter releases stress and promotes relaxation. This is the reason why there are so many cats getting stuck in things on the internet. Enjoy!
Sleep. Regular readers of my website know that I think sleep is one of the greatest headstarts we can give ourselves. Get an early night and reap the benefits. If that’s not possible, gift yourself a nap.
Do a kind thing for yourself. You often hear about acting with random kindness towards strangers. How about lavishing some kindness on yourself? It can be as simple as organising your stuff for the morning before you go to bed so that you don’t have to rush tomorrow. Or making yourself a really nice portable lunch that you can eat al desko when you know you’ve got a busy and stressful day ahead.
Showing up for yourself, even in little ways, can increase your self esteem and your confidence in your own resilience.
Maybe you have your own ideas for showing yourself some love and kindness - post them below, I’d love to hear about them.