Turning Your Inner Critic Into a Cheerleader: Summer Self-Kindness Guide!

Welcome to August!

As summer unfolds, many of us are juggling the demands of work and life while our colleagues enjoy their vacations. Maybe you’re dreaming of a getaway or planning one of your own. While we may not all have the luxury of a tropical retreat, this month’s newsletter is all about creating a soulful break right where you are.

This month, we’re keeping our growth goals in mind but with a fresh, light-hearted twist. We’ll dive into 10 delightful ways to transform using self-kindness is a great self-development tool, we also have a free downloadable cheat sheet of quick ideas for you to try out here

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

10 Fun & E?ective Ways to Show Yourself Some Summer Self-Kindness

1. Embrace Positive A?rmations

What to Do: Speak uplifting a?rmations like “I am enough” or “I’m on the right path.

Why It Helps: Positive a?rmations help shift your inner dialogue from self-criticism to self-encouragement, most importantly it slows down the inner monologue of bad stu?.

Example: “I’m proud of how I handled that situation. I do a great job”

2. Take a Self-Compassion Break

What to Do: Pause for a moment to breathe deeply and o?er yourself a mental hug.

Why It Helps: These brief pauses help reset your stress levels and remind you that it’s okay to take a break.

Example: “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough. It’s okay to take a moment for myself.”

3. Celebrate Your Small Wins

What to Do: Recognise and celebrate even the smallest achievements.

Why It Helps: Celebrating victories, big or small, reinforces a positive mindset and gives you a little dopamine hit too

Example: “I completed that report—time for a little treat, like a delicious co?ee!”

4. Create a Self-Care Bucket List

What to Do: Develop a list of enjoyable activities, such as reading a book, taking a walk, or building in a 5-minute break before each meeting so you are not rushing...now that sounds good, doesn’t it?

Why It Helps: This list provides is on hand when you do want to nurture yourself, now no need to come up with ideas which result in binge-watching Net?ix, it's nice sometimes, but not always, especially when you can’t ?nd the perfect show.

Example: “I’m going to ‘read 5 pages of my book’ because I can

5. Master the Art of Saying ‘No’

What to Do: Politely decline additional tasks or commitments when you’re already at capacity.

Why It Helps: Setting boundaries prevents burnout and ensures you’re taking care of yourself.

Example: “I’m currently focused on other tasks and need to decline this additional project, I have to prioritise this for now.”

6. Write a Postcard From Your Future Self

What to Do: Note down a short note, from your future self, on why doing these simple acts of kindness has really helped and why, plus what di?erences have occurred.

Why It Helps: A self-written letter o?ers a moment to re?ect, to slow down and to recognise what you’d like to change for the better…sounds great!

Example: “Dear Me, those boundaries you put in have allowed me to say no so many more times and I’m not just lest overloaded, but have more energy and I have continued to take moments for 5 pages and have ?nished a book! Also started to read more with the children because of that decision. Keep up the good work, me xxx

7. Engage in a Fun Hobby

What to Do: Dedicate time to something you enjoy, painting, cooking, gardening…

Why It Helps: Hobbies are a wonderful way to relax and bring joy into your day.

Example: “I’m setting aside time this afternoon to enjoy …

Personal note: I have a colouring pad next to the sofa, a notebook next to my bed and recently been donated an ice cream maker - I’m trying things out more regularly now

8. Take a Mindfulness Minute

What to Do: Spend a few moments practising mindfulness or meditation, not expecting you to be as skilled as a monk, but someone who takes moments out to calm and breathe.

Why It Helps: Mindfulness practices o?er a brief escape from stress and help you stay grounded, cutting through the busyness, and o?ering an opportunity for you to reset.

Example: “Start small and build up from 1-5 mins, before considering 10-15—minute break”

9. Forgive Yourself with Grace

What to Do: Release any guilt from past mistakes and focus on moving forward.

Why It Helps: Self-forgiveness allows you to grow from experiences without holding onto regret. This doesn’t have to be big, it can be as simple as putting your phone down, or walking around the block because you have missed exercise for a few days - guilt and shame are heavy!

Example: “I missed that deadline—no worries. I’ll use this as a learning opportunity for next time.” “I know I am on my phone a lot and I feel guilty because my children are here, I am choosing to put the phone down and guilt and take a moment with them”

10. Surround Yourself with Positive In?uences

What to Do: Spend time with friends or family who uplift and support you.

Why It Helps: Positive relationships can improve your mood and provide encouragement.

Example: “I’m reaching out to a friend who always knows how to make me smile and feel better.”

Wrapping Up with a Smile!

There you have it—a collection of delightful and e?ective ways to practice self-kindness this August! My hope for you is tiny moments of joy and appreciation or the same care and compassion you’d o?er to a friend and you can give yourself that grace too.

Download a cheat sheet here - it includes helpful tips on how to develop better habits. Keep being amazing, and remember: you’ve got this!

My name is Asha Ghosh, and I coach leaders to find out how they can thrive and be impactful and find new ways to succeed whilst having clear boundaries with their team, their home life and most importantly their wellbeing.

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