5 WAYS TO BE KINDER TO YOURSELF IN 2023

With the new year underway, many of us are looking forward to fresh starts and new resolutions. While most people focus on external goals, self-care and kindness are just as important. Incorporating small acts of kindness into your daily routine can help you to become the best version of yourself. Here are five ways to be kinder to yourself in 2023.

Tune out negativity

The first step toward self-acceptance and kindness is learning to tune out negative thoughts. Most people experience negativity on a regular basis, and it’s easy to get caught up in these thoughts and let them ruin your day–or your life.

Here are some examples of common negative thoughts:

• I’m so slow at this; I’ll never get it right!

• Why can’t I ever find a parking spot?! What if I have to walk back home? That would be terrible.

• Why do I always go for guys who treat me badly? Is there something wrong with me?

• Why can’t I get more done? I feel like a failure.

To tune out the negativity, identify the sources of negative thoughts and energy. Some common sources are people who are overly critical or negative or situations outside your control. Recognize that you control your thoughts and feelings and that you can focus on the positives instead of the negatives. Surround yourself with positive people, and limit exposure to negative energy and criticism. Turn off the news and seek out inspiration sources. Practicing this regularly will help you learn to tune out negativity.

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Keep track of your accomplishments

A journal is a great way to keep track of your accomplishments. You can write down things like:

• The tasks that you completed

• The time you spent on work or home tasks

• The amount of money that you saved by completing certain tasks.

• Things you accomplished at work

Keeping a journal of successes and milestones is a mental health booster. When you note and acknowledge what you have achieved, you can reflect on your progress and feel more confident going forward. Tracking your accomplishments reminds you to be proud of what you’ve accomplished and to keep striving for your goals.

Make time to do the things that bring you joy

Self-care matters. Make time for the things that bring you joy. The more you focus on what makes you happy, the happier you’ll be. Acknowledge that you need “me” time. If you want to go out with friends and have a good time, then go out with them. If you’re more introverted and prefer the company of pets, spend time with a four-legged friend instead.

If there’s something that brings you joy but doesn’t fit into someone else’s expectations for your life, do it anyway! Don’t feel guilty about doing what makes sense for you. This is your life, no matter how much pressure others put on you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

No one does everything alone. Even the most self-sufficient and independent people have people in their lives who can help them in some way. They’re there for you when you need help with a task or a different perspective. If you’re struggling with something, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

When you allow yourself and others around you to be vulnerable and honest, you create an atmosphere where everyone around you feels safe to do so as well — and that’s when true support can flourish and make everyone feel more secure and happy.

Get some rest

Regarding your health, it’s important to take a few moments each day to consider what you can do for yourself. Looking after yourself is the best way to ensure you’re at peak performance when challenges arise.

Getting enough sleep can be tough, especially if life gets busy and stressful. However, it’s just as important as eating right or exercising regularly, so make it a priority.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, but everyone’s needs are different; some people need more than others based on their body’s natural rhythms.

If you find yourself noticing that you’re always tired during the day or having trouble focusing during meetings at work, this might be an indication you’re short-changing yourself with sleep.

Forgive yourself

Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s how you deal with those mistakes that makes all the difference. If you are constantly beating yourself up for your past actions or judging yourself for what could have been done differently, it’s time for forgiveness.

Forgiving yourself is key to moving forward in a positive way. This means letting go of negative feelings about something you did or didn’t do. It helps to remember that nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes — so why hang on to them?

“It’s time to choose forgiveness and take the steps to end the cycle of anger and finally quiet the mind.”

Remember that your thoughts aren’t facts

Thoughts like “I’m a bad person” or “I don’t deserve love” can be difficult to let go of, but they’re just thoughts. They don’t have to define how you see yourself or what your life is like. When you notice negative, judgemental thoughts coming into your head, try challenging them with different views. Think: “I’m not a bad person but sometimes I do things wrong.” Or “Maybe there are other people who think I’m kind and loving.”

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You could also remind yourself of all the things that are going well in your life, rather than focusing on the things that aren’t, or re-evaluate past mistakes in a more forgiving light.

Conclusion

If you want to be kinder to yourself in 2023, start small. Set aside time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy, like reading a book or taking a walk. Be more compassionate and understanding with yourself when you make mistakes, and recognize the small successes you achieve. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and make time for meaningful connections.

By doing these things, you can start to be kinder to yourself and reap the benefits of a healthier, more positive outlook on life. Start small by making one change daily over the next week or two. Once that becomes part of your routine, move on to another.

You’ll be surprised how quickly these habits become second nature — and before long, all those negative feelings will disappear into thin air. You won’t miss them!