How to Be Kind To Yourself

George Washington Carver once said, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.” For most of us, it's easy to be kind to others; but somewhat challenging to even think about being kind to ourselves. Numerous scientific studies have shown that being kind to oneself results in significant physical, mental and emotional health benefits. Wouldn’t you like these advantages? If so, try these 12 ways to be kind to yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Assorted small personal gifts
• Walking shoes
• Willingness to have fun

1. Send yourself some flowers, a card, or buy a small inexpensive gift. Don’t forget to wrap the gift. When you unwrap it, express your delight and pleasure vocally as you savor the moment.
2. Each week, plan a special meal. Set the table with your fine linens, good china, stemware and utensils (instead of paper plates, cups, napkins and plastic forks).
3. Take a REAL vacation—you know, the old fashion kind where cell phones, emails, and wireless connections are banned!
4. Pop some popcorn, relax in your favorite chair with your feet up, and watch your favorite TV show or DVD.
5. Make a cup of herbal or green tea and sit quietly thinking about the fun things you would like to do. Put these ideas on paper and take action.
6. Bring a CD player to work and softly play classical music in the background while you prepare reports, presentations or read the volumes of emails you receive each day.
7. Take a leisurely bicycle ride or walk through a field or park. Stop frequently to enjoy the scenery or reflect on the vastness of creation.
8. Go to the spa for a manicure, pedicure, or massage. If you can afford it, spend the whole day relaxing and being pampered.
9. Read for fun—a novel, poetry, short story. Avoid business books or academic treatises--anything that produces stress or reminds you of work.
10. Get a new haircut or style. Try that new look you've been waiting to experience.
11. Organize your closet or drawers. Tackle a sock or lingerie drawer; hold a tag sale, or donate your materials, furniture, and clothes that are in good condition.
12. Go all out to do something kind and compassionate for yourself each day. Respect yourself. Refuse to berate, put-down or belittle your decisions and actions.

Tips & Warnings

• Have some fun with this. There are many more things you can do to be kind to yourself. Make your own list and when you complete every item on it, start a new one.
• The point is that you must plan to do something kind for yourself, and then stick to that plan. Our lives are much too busy these days to let it fall to chance or when you get around to it. You never will, you know. In any event, enjoy the items on this list and begin to experience better health and increased vitality. Being kind to yourself will ultimately result in your being kind to others.