In honour of World Kindness Day, tomorrow 13th November 2019, we wanted to share a few of our favourite ways to be kind to yourself. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup!
- Try deep breathing – breathe in to your lower ribcage and belly for a count of 4, hold for 4 and breathe out for 8. When our out-breath is longer than our in-breath we activate our VAGUS nerve, which stimulates our ‘rest and digest’ state. This will allow us to be present and calm rather than rushing and on autopilot.
- Gratitude lists/journals/practices are wonderful to take us from our innate negative thought patterns (helpful for adaptation) to becoming more positive and happy. If we are happier, the more likely we will smile at a stranger, hold the door open for someone or any other act of kindness. Start with writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day, it’s amazing how good it feels to focus your energy on the positives!
- Prioritise ‘me time’. Whether that’s a relaxing bath, a walk in the park or using a mindfulness app such as Calm or Headspace it’s important to show yourself some love in order to be kind to those around you.
