One of the things I’ve noticed about kindness is that it comes in so many forms. Each of us can be kind to other people, to our planet and to animals, to name just a few. Crucially, we can also be kind to ourselves.
This is an area that is particularly on my mind as we head into October, with World Mental Health Day, which took place on Monday, October 10.
Research carried out by the Mental Health Foundation in 2020 found that 48% of UK adults agreed that being kind to themselves had a positive impact on their mental health.
That makes sense to me. I know that I feel better when I give myself an extra 10 minutes in bed on a chilly morning, spend time on a hobby I enjoy or forgive myself for a mistake I made.
Busy, busy, busy
Many of us can find it tricky to show ourselves kindness. Especially at this time of year when we tend to be getting back into the swing of things after the quieter summer period.
There is so much on our ‘to do’ lists that doing something nice for ourselves can easily get lost or never make it to the top of the list.
Even when we know that it would make us feel better, we don’t always prioritise ourselves.
A good friend of mine recently sent me a beautiful card with the words ‘Be kind to yourself’ on the front. It was a good reminder at a time when I was supposed to be resting to get over covid.
See kind
Since starting up my Time for Kindness initiative to make people smile, I’ve realised that it’s not just ‘being kind’ that makes a difference. ‘Seeing kind’ in the world around us has a big effect too.
I am fortunate that I have a tendency to look out for optimistic perspectives. That isn’t to say I don’t see the terrible things that are going on. But I do try to balance that with hope and positivity.
When I read stories of things that people have done to brighten someone else’s day, it gives me a lift and brings me joy.
We can be kind to ourselves by noticing what others are doing. If we’re pressed for time to do something, a look at the positive things around us can be a great way to get a quick fix.
Some ideas
If you’re stuck for where to start with being kind to yourself, here are a few ideas:
• Give yourself permission to spend 5 minutes outdoors in the sunshine
• Treat yourself to a tasty chocolate bar or a yummy piece of fruit
• Phone a friend for a chinwag
• Listen to your favourite piece of music – and maybe throw in a bit of a dance round the kitchen!
• Make a conscious decision to notice kind actions from others
Whatever you choose to do, remember you deserve kindness just like everyone else.
Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more details, log on to: www.timeforkindness.co.uk
