Being Kind to Yourself
In today's hectic world, it's quite easy to get caught up in a busy lifestyle. There are countless things to do, things to see, and things to be responsible for on a daily basis.
But how often each day are you mindful of what you do for yourself? For some people, the idea of self-care and self-compassion is a foreign topic. This can be especially true for those parents who also work full-time. Between the two responsibilities there's little if any time left in the day to take care of yourself.
People who become caught up in their jobs and their families often forsake their own self-care, which if taken for granted, can have disastrous effects. We all know or have heard of the person who avoided going to a doctor despite troubling symptoms, or the person who worked themselves so hard that a careless mistake ended up having devastating consequences.
Taking care of oneself is often the last thing on our minds, but treating yourself well can positively affect all aspects of your life. Some simple actions can make a world of difference and when you feel better, you be better in everything you do.
Pay attention to your body and listen to yourself, particularly when you feel tired, anxious, angry, or even just uncomfortable. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to take a sick day to see a doctor if necessary or go for a walk outside instead of working through your lunch.
Take a few moments to breathe, to stretch, to be aware of how you're feeling and how it impacts your behavior, your productivity, and your relationships. Give yourself a break.
Remember that not everything has to be done right now and not everything has to be absolutely perfect. It's tough trying to be perfect if you're not your best self. So, cut yourself some slack, give yourself some love, and treat yourself right. This will help you from drowning in the chaos of life.
Written by guest author: Nicole C. Peniston, M.A.