Extending kindness to others when they are hurting is a caring and considerate act we can give. However, showing ourselves kindness when we are going through difficult times may not be on our priority list. Let me highly recommend that being kind to yourself as you go through hard times be at the forefront of your life.
Not pushing yourself to operate at full throttle when you are up against situations that are mentally and physically taxing to you is a primary way that you can be kind to yourself. Do what you can during those times, and take care of yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically so that you can bounce back quicker. If you do not take this needed time, you can experience mental and physical exhaustion as well as decrease your immunity to fight infections and colds.
Being kind to yourself during difficult times means “putting your oxygen mask on first before putting on someone else’s.”
Have a check-in with yourself daily, and ask yourself the following questions:
Do I feel run-down, and exhausted physically?
Do I feel mentally tired, weak, or exhausted?
Am I taking care of others' needs or wants while neglecting my own?
If you answered yes to just one of the above questions, it’s time to give yourself the kindness treatment. Give to yourself what you would give to someone going through a difficult time. Would that be encouragement, a nice meal, prayers, or an extra dose of grace?
We should always give others and ourselves kindness, but there are times in our lives when we need to extend that kindness to ourselves even more. This would be the time to stop beating yourself up for not doing more and giving yourself the grace to know that you are doing the very best you can at the moment.
Perhaps showing kindness to yourself is giving yourself a pep talk, such as,” It won’t always be this way, and I won’t always feel this way, but for now, I will show myself kindness.”
As you are kind to yourself, be kind to others. You never really know what someone else is going through.
Remember to do what you can during these times, and put into practice self-care for your body, mind, and spirit. Ask yourself, “ In what healthy ways can I take care of my body, my mind, and my spirit.”
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