Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 04:38 pm
Ready for something you need to hear today? Being kind to yourself is okay. Actually, it’s encouraged. So often in life we feel the pressure to be hyper-productive, to sacrifice ourselves more and more for our success. And putting our mental health on the back-burner in the process. But studies show self-love can not only boost our careers, but also add years onto our lives. That’s a win-win – don’t you think? So read on to discover why being kind to yourself could help you live longer.
Why being kind to yourself works
Self-compassion. Treating yourself. Being kind to yourself. Self-love. Whatever you call it, the message is the same: YOU matter. But life sometimes tries to tell us otherwise. We live in a stressful time during a global pandemic and the fight for jobs is fierce. Consequently, many of us tend to sacrifice our wellbeing in the pursuit of our goals, thinking that a little time to ourselves will only slow us down. However, the opposite is true. Self-compassion can fuel your performance and boost your mental and physical health.
Studies show self-compassion has the power to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes, lessen stress, anxiety, irritability and depression, plus boost our performance at work. The end result is simple – you will live longer if you show yourself some love. Keen to explore more of the world? Showing yourself some love might give you extra time to make that happen. Self-care is not selfish, it’s a superpower.
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Self-judgement can be harmful
It’s easy to be harsh on ourselves. But excessive self-judgement, self-loathing and that harsh internal critic can really stop us in our tracks. Damaging, rather than fuelling us. It can lead to performance anxiety, procrastination, and lack of motivation. Plus, it prevents us from learning from our mistakes. Of course, pinpointing areas to improve is a crucial part of life – but we must do it in a positive way. Studies show self-affirmations act as ‘cognitive expanders’, meaning you’re able to talk to yourself in the same way you would to someone you care about, so it’s not just a negative internal voice that dominates your thoughts. If you don’t like yourself, you’re harming yourself. Full stop. So bringing that love will energise you in more ways than you can imagine. Sound good?
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How can I practice self-compassion?
It’s the small things that make a big difference. Ask yourself what makes you happy. Perhaps it’s grabbing a coffee from that place on the corner. Or set your phone down go for a walk in the park. Read a good book in bed. Watch a favourite film or cook a favourite meal. Run a hot bath. Hop on a short travel adventure to explore the seaside towns of Ireland, the charming Cornish coasts or jaw-dropping temples in Nepal. Walk deserts or gaze at remarkable animals African safari. Whatever self-love looks like to you – one thing’s for sure – you won’t regret it. Prepare to be refreshed and rejuvenated!
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What is your way to be kind to yourself? Let us know in the comments below!