In a world of endless comparison and the stress of balancing all aspects of your life, it can be hauntingly easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you aren’t good enough.

The truth is, we are our own worst critics, and one of the most beneficial skills you can learn is how to be kind to yourself.

If you struggle with self-doubt, here are some tips that encourage you to be kind to yourself:

– Take time to reflect upon how you feel

When we get busy, it is easy to put our feelings on the back burner and persevere forward until we reach an inevitable burnout. Instead of building upon the stress and anxiety, it is beneficial to pause and reflect upon your emotions. No matter how you feel, accept your emotions openly with compassion. This is a great strategy to become informed on if you are adequately taking care of yourself.

– Identify areas you are not being kind to yourself

Sometimes it is less obvious when you aren’t being kind to yourself – especially for people who hold themselves to unrealistically high expectations. For example, many fitness fanatics hold themselves to extremely tough standards to engage in a rigorous workout each day, even if for the wrong reasons. It is important to be able to step back and notice that, maybe instead of exercising, your body would benefit from rest.

– Engage in positive self-talk

The voice in the back of your head is not set in stone – while it can be your biggest critic, you can also train it to be your best cheerleader. Practicing positive self-talk is an incredible way you can be kind to yourself. If you catch yourself in a negative thought spiral, pause, and repeat a positive affirmation to yourself:

“I am great at doing hard things.”
“I am so grateful for my health and happiness.”
“I am strong, smart, and determined.”

– Reflect on the intentions behind your decisions

Whether we are aware of it or not, there are hidden intentions behind every decision we make. Identifying the intentions behind your decisions can help you practice establishing a healthier mindset. Notice if you are doing something because of external expectations or if it is because the actions make you feel fulfilled.

– Find positive forms of expression

Things aren’t always going to go our way, but during times of adversity, it is important to find healthy forms of expressing those emotions. Finding a positive outlet for your emotions is the best way to not only accept how you feel but also to give yourself the grace to feel better. There are many options, but some examples of positive outlets for stress include exercising, reading, spending time with loved ones, and cooking.

– Practice mindfulness through yoga or meditation

Most of our stress and anxiety come from hyper-fixation on the past or future, so to combat these thoughts, it is beneficial to practice mindfulness. There are many ways to approach mindfulness, but meditation, yoga, and stretching are a few great examples. Some people feel intimidated to try yoga as a form of self-kindness, and even though you can do yoga by yourself, a yoga instructor may be a great tool in assisting you to get in tune with your body.

As opposed to a high-intensity form of exercise, yoga allows you to express yourself and let out the pain and negative feelings while also improving your physical and mental wellness. When you are focusing on the present moment, you will feel proud of yourself for the time you have dedicated just for yourself.

You deserve to be treated with kindness in all areas of life, including in your relationship with yourself. Establishing your self-esteem and feeling confident in who you are is a luxury everyone should enjoy, so if you are looking for an opportunity to focus on self-growth, a wellness retreat with Outrun Gravity may be the perfect option for you. Explore our website for more wellness tips or information about how to join us on our retreats.