30 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself
November 13 is World Kindness Day, and while this day is all about finding ways to be kind to others, let’s not forget to also be kind to ourselves. Though some of us may be conditioned to believe that being kind to ourselves is self-indulgent, several research studies and this journal article show that people with greater self-compassion show more resilience and less emotional distress. So forget the guilt and let’s celebrate ourselves. Read on for 30 different ideas to practice kindness to yourself, today and every day.
Start and end each day with a grateful heart. Before you go to sleep, think of something that happened earlier in the day that made you happy, no matter how small. When you wake up, visualize something positive for the day ahead.
Go for a walk somewhere beautiful where you can get lost in your thoughts — the beach, a local park, or your favorite neighborhood.
Cook yourself a nourishing meal made with lots of love and good-for-you ingredients.
Slip into something cozy, wrap yourself in a blanket, turn off your phone, and curl up with a good book.
Try a tea meditation and be fully present in each step of this comforting ritual.
Plan a date with yourself. Put it on the calendar and treat yourself to a day of doing your favorite things.
Practice positive affirmations in front of the mirror every day as you get ready for the day.
Try to carve out a bit of guilt-free time to yourself daily to read, watch your favorite show, and just enjoy your own company.
Move your body and appreciate all that it can do! Check out our library of online yoga, fitness, and meditation classes on Alo Moves.
Release a bit of tension by laughing it out. Watch a comedy special, spend a few minutes looking at memes or funny videos, or call that one friend who can always make you laugh.
Try out a new hobby. Teach yourself something new by watching videos online, sign up for a class, and remind yourself to be patient as you learn new things.
Check-in with yourself daily by starting a gratitude journal, practicing self-reflection, or meditating.
Silence your inner critic. Replace negative thoughts with things you admire about yourself.
Spend quality time with someone you love who supports you.
Use your passion or craft to help others.
Forgive yourself for past mistakes and let go of grudges. Allow yourself to move on and be free.
Treat yourself to your once-in-a-while indulgence, savor a decadent dessert, buy that thing sitting in your cart.
Start a daily meditation habit.
Protect your energy by creating healthy boundaries in your relationships.
Learn more about yourself, what makes you tick, and what motivates you — we are big fans of the Enneagram!
Relax and recharge by taking a nap, a bath, or getting fresh air.
Set a goal and stick to it. We love the idea of participating in a 30-day yoga challenge.
Turn off your notifications a few hours before bedtime every night. Let your nighttime routine be free of distractions.
Plan a special outing once a month to look forward to. Go do something in your area you’ve always wanted to do, get take-out from your favorite place, or go on a beautiful drive.
Organize your workplace. It will help you focus and feel more efficient.
Learn to say no. Saying yes to everything breeds resentment, exhaustion, and doesn’t make us better people.
Allow yourself to be human and feel a full range of emotions.
Write a love letter to yourself. Write down the things that make you proud to be you.
Don’t be afraid to seek out help from a therapist; it could change your life.
Evaluate the people and relationships in your life. Are they in your corner? Sometimes letting go is the best thing you can do, no matter how difficult.
Practice being kind to yourself by investing in your health and fitness. Unlock the entire library of yoga, meditation, and fitness videos by signing up for a free 14-day trial to Alo Moves.