“Go above and beyond for yourself! You do it for family, friends, and colleagues, but don’t forget about YOU. It’s important to include yourself… You are worthy of your own kindness, too!” ― Stephanie Lahart

Do you know you are harder on yourself than anyone else?

We tend to treat others better than we treat ourselves. Your definition of being loving and kind is how you treat others around you. This same energy can be channeled back at times to help you recharge and feel better.

This is helpful in trying times when you’re in an emotional rut or mental rut. If you can take time out to treat yourself to some treats, your life and health would greatly be improved. You are also better positioned to be there for others and show them the love you have shown yourself without feeling drained.

Your body needs as much love and care as you show to others and listening to what your body, emotions, and mood are saying is a great way to know how to treat Yourself.

Just to help you out, here are 7 practical ways you can be nice to yourself and reap the benefits of being kind to you.

This is all about you. So let’s dive in

7 practical ways to be kind to yourself.

1. Learn to Forgive Yourself:

The truth is, we all f#*k up! It’s a part of life. The only way to not make mistakes or do anything wrong is by doing NOTHING at all. 

You and I are very hard on ourselves. We judge ourselves harsher than the world does. 

We are quick to see and feel bad for our mistakes, it is even worse when we feel others have seen our mistakes and are probably “talking about us and mocking us”. But how true is that?

Everyone has their own problems to deal with and move on quicker from our embarrassing moment than we do. 

Learning to forgive yourself and move on is a very important way of showing yourself some love. 

You forgive others, so learn to forgive yourself too. 

Learn and practice forgiving yourself when you feel guilty or blame yourself for making a mistake.

Right now, you are doing the best you can with the information you have. 

When you grow and know more you would learn to do better. Till then, forgive yourself as you would your closest friend(you’re closer to you than anyone on earth) then move on.

 

2. Move your body A.k.a Exercise:

This would always make the list when it comes to self-love.

Exercise or any form is moving your body and giving it the required movement it needs. (dancing)

Do you know what happens when you stop using a car for too long? Exactly, it starts developing problems because it has not been used. 

You have so many muscles and body parts that need to be at the optimum shape and exercises are the best way to ensure it stays that way

Exercising can be walking, slow jog, yoga, dancing, or anyone that fits your lifestyle, schedule, and body goals.

When you are feeling down, a short exercise like jumping jacks can help you get out of your head, The flow of blood means more oxygen to your brain and you feel energized. 

Create a sacred time where you exercise. Your body will thank you for it.

Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but for your mental and emotional health of course

 

3. Learn to Reward yourself with good treats:

Most times when you are feeling down, you do one of two things – overeat or don’t eat enough. Every so often it is the wrong type of food. 

Add your busy schedule to it and you hardly find time to treat yourself. 

Make it a habit to pick a day every month or two days every month where you give yourself a treat. 

If you have worked hard at a goal (no matter the result), treating yourself to something nice you enjoy, a meal, a massage or a day at the spa can do wonders for your physical, mental and emotional well being

Make yourself feel special. You deserve it.

 

4. HYDRATE: 

How much water do you have daily? Your body is mostly made o water and sometimes we get so busy we forget to drink enough water. 

There’s a lot of disadvantages to not drinking enough water(and minding your business), chief amongst them is kidney stones, dehydration.

Drinking water helps to regulate your body and regulate your mood. Aproko doctor is on a  one month no soda September challenge you can join and be a part of.

Cut down on carbonated drinks and sugar. drink more water. I hear it is good for your skin too. To give you that fresh skin you need.

5. Stay away for toxic people/habit:

This gets said almost every day, but we somehow do not heed this sage advice. 

Practicing self-kindness might require cutting people off. You should be in charge of who has access to you and who does not. 

Anyone who does not bring value to you, or any idea of limiting beliefs or habits you need to outgrow? – find them and start working to deal with them one after the other.

This would open you up to more space to fill with good people, good habits, and new uplifting ideas that would be good for you. You deserve to be happy. 

Don’t you?

 

6. Find escape in a good book:

Make out time to read and get lost in a good book – fiction or non-fiction. 

We covered the importance of reading in one of our blog posts and for a good reason. 

Reading reduces the stress levels you experience, opens you up to new ideas, and helps you learn new and better ways of doing things.

You also help your brain find new and innovative ways to tackle problems that may come your way every once in a while.

Like a wise man once said “problem no dey finish” (i don’t know his name sha..)

 

7. Rest and Recharge:

This is very important for you. Society is set up in a way to make you feel like you are losing when you are not working, creating, or setting and trying to achieve your big goals 2/7.

However, you need to rest! Your body needs it! Your brain needs it. 

So always find time to unplug from the world and just rest. You can binge watch some comedy and laugh a lot and be happy even if for 3 hours in a

week. This improves your mood and helps lessen the burden of a worrisome mind.

From all of us here at StiillIrise. We wish you a fruitful new month ahead.