The 5 S's of Self Kindness

Within the UK over the past couple of weeks, we have seen a call for us to BE KIND. This is wonderful to see but very often we hear people ask how they can start to be kinder.

Most people already give and are generous but still hold a great amount of judgement, especially self judgement. This can get in the way of us being kinder. So I wanted to share my view, through years of research and over 1500 days of daily kindness, that it all starts with #SelfKindness. When we begin to lead our lives with #kindness, beginning with self kindness, it helps to align and balance us - or as we say at GLAS, we can be In The Zone. This is the place where we are at our very best.

Self kindness is very often overlooked, and so here are just 5 simple things to consider.

The 5 S's of Self #Kindness:

1. SELF-TALK

How we speak to ourselves in our heads is often negative and more hurtful than we’d ever use on anyone else. 

Try and remove some of your self-judgement and speak more positively. At the very least, be more aware of it.

2. SLEEP

One of most powerful things for improving mental function and health is to ensure good quality and an adequate quantity of sleep. Research shows even adding naps is good for you!

Try going to bed 15minutes earlier - baby steps!

3. STEP OUTSIDE

This has numerous benefits, from physical movement, clearing the mind, stepping away from a task, taking in fresh air and connecting to nature - and possibly going with a friend or pet.

Try just opening the door and walking to the end of the road and back again each day and build it up. Doing this earlier in the day is even better.

4. SHARE

We can spend a long time with chaos, fear and overwhelm in our heads. The benefit of sharing with others, or even on paper, can be huge and help you to see that perhaps things aren’t as bad as you think. We often resist the simple act of asking for help.

Try just writing one thing down that’s on your mind. If you can then share with a trusted friend and ask what’s on their mind, it could be the start of something amazing.

5. SHOUT OUT

At GLAS, we know the importance of gratitude and reflection. We encourage clients and our team to consider what or who they are grateful for on a regular basis. Sometimes we shout out something that was a negative but has helped up in some way. It’s easy to forget small things and the importance they have.

Try spending a couple of minutes at the end of a day thinking about someone or something that you can shout out (in your head or written down). Even better, tell that person that you’re grateful for them / what they’ve done for you.