10 Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself
We all need to learn to be kinder to ourselves everyday. It is one of the best things you can do for yours and others well being. It also leads to self acceptance and greater satisfaction in every aspect of your life. You deserve it. 10 Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself

Being kind to yourself is something that is often forgotten about, or neglected, you may even feel like you don't deserve it. But you do. Of course you do. In our lives, being kind to ourselves seems selfish, or makes you feel guilty. It shouldn't. 

So today I'm sharing 10 easy ways you can be a bit kinder to yourself. You deserve it, you need it. Being kind is so important, including to yourself!

10 Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself

Start a new habit today, beginning with trying one thing and just go for it.
Pick a new habit you like to try, whether it's joining the 5am club, exercising more frequently or even reading every day. Give it a go, if you like it, do it again tomorrow! Habits are important and they grow stronger each day and end up becoming more automatic. Habits are powerful things, but they take a little time and determination to develop them.

It's never too late
The future is still in your hands. We often limit ourselves from opportunities and dreams because of petty excuses. Stop over-thinking how things could have gone, and take a few steps to creating the life you want. Plans are meant to change, life is meant to change. It's never to late to achieve your dreams, so plan and decide what you want to achieve in your life, what steps will it take you to get there? Take one step today.

Destroy negative thoughts
Remove your automatic negative thoughts such as "I can't do it", and come up with a logical answer. Negative thoughts feed on negative thoughts, and unfortunately they can be really strong and have an awful effect on every aspect of our lives. If you are struggling with negative thinking, it's time to deal with them. Pushing your feelings and thoughts down, attempting to block them out doesn't help at all, in fact it only makes them worse. Destroy negative feelings is all about shifting perspective, counteracting those bad thoughts with positive ones! Positive thinking and self love are possibly the most important ways you can be kinder to yourself. 

Focus on your good side
Speaking of self love - focus on the parts of yourself that you like, rather than what you don't like. I know it's not just mean who has a hard time embracing their good qualities, being proud of your achievements and even just accepting compliments. It seems so much easier to focus on your flaws than thinking about the wonderful, positive aspects of yourself!

Whether it's your kindness, your writing skills, your gorgeous eyes - anything, become aware and embrace those fantastic qualities.

Laugh
Laughing is one of the best things in life! Not only does it make you feel happy, but it genuinely has health benefits too. From relieving tension and stress, to boosting the immune system! Take 15 minutes a day to watch/read/listen to something that will guarantee to make you laugh. Spend time with people who make you happy. Do things you know make you laugh. It will release tension, boost your energy and happiness. 

Get some exercise
Looking after your body is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. Exercise helps you to develop strong muscles and bones, it'll boost your immune system - plus its really good for your mental wellbeing too. The more active you are, the more satisfied you feel with your life. Take care of yourself.

10 Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself

De-stress!
If you're feeling stressed, first of all you need to identify the cause. Is it personal, is it work related, is it health related? De stressing is all about taking control of the situation and building emotional strength. Figure out what sort of things help you personally to feel more relaxed. Take some time out for self care, talk to a loved one or set yourself something new to work towards such as a new hobby!

Take a step forward
After the year we've had, I can imagine many of us had days when we woke up dreading the same monotonous day ahead of us. It's time to change that mindset, give yourself reasons to be excited for the day ahead, set yourself an intention for that day and you'll feel super excited to get started. Having something to look forward to every day will help you feel so much more alive, and it'll allow you to learn how to create your own happiness. Your things to look forward to each day don't have to be big things either! Whether it's making time to read a few more chapters of that really good book, taking a nap or doing a tough workout, if it makes you happy then do it!

Don't compare yourself to others
In the world of social media, comparing yourself to others kind of comes with the territory. You feel bad because your house isn't spotlessly clean like that mum on Instagram, you don't do amazing crafts and DIYs like that Pinterest mum you've been following, and you haven't been on an extra agent holiday like that family you see on Facebook. "Comparison is the thief of joy" Never a truer statement said.

In this day and age we are constantly comparing ourselves and in doing so, you are focusing on their path, not your own. Invest that time in yourself instead, accept who you are, not who you are not and you'll find out you are pretty incredible, and unique.

Not to mention, social media is not something to compare your life too because it's not reality. 

Be a friend to yourself
(This is my favourite one)
 We all know the saying "treat others how you would want to be treated" but the truth is, we don't treat ourselves that same way. Many of us struggle to be compassionate and caring to ourselves, which if you think about it is utterly ridiculous! You could be the kindest person in the world, the best, most supportive friend yet you constantly belittle and doubt yourself! Why? It seems we have grown up in a culture when it's just not the normal thing to speak positively of yourself, to radiate happiness and confidence. We are scared of new challenges, and beating ourselves up about it and it just makes us more miserable. So from now on, If you're upset, or nagging yourself about something, be a friend to yourself. Imagine you are advising a friend who is in the situation. What would you say to them? How would you console them? What would you suggest they do?

Do you feel you treat yourself kindly?

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

10 Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself


Self Care Ideas When You Only Have 5 Minutes

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Self Care is not about self indulgence, it's not about putting yourself above over everyone else or vanity. Self care is about recognizing your needs and looking after yourself. I firmly believe in the quote "You can't pour from an empty cup", which is particularly appropriate if you are a parent. Self care helps prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, exhausted or burned out so yes, it's SO important. 5 Minute self care ideas are often the way to go. You might aim for giving yourself the night off, even an hour - but life gets in the way sometimes. 

Taking any time out for you, or finding a huge amount of time to focus on yourself can be a rare thing as a parent, so I wanted to share a few, super quick self care ideas that you can try everyday, or anytime you have 5 minutes spare. Everyone can make 5 minutes for themselves! 

Light A Candle
Lighting a candle can really improve your mood. I like to light candles during the evening, or after I'm done cleaning up - it's like a reward! Candles help create a relaxing, comforting and uplifting vibe in your home, be sure to pick your favourite scents!

Play A Soothing Or Motivating Song
Music can really help to improve your mood. If you are in a relaxed, calming mood - try a more mellow, soothing song. If you need a bit of a kick up the bum, or perhaps you need cheering up a bit - pick one of your favourite songs. (A little tip, create a soothing/motivating playlist on Spotify in advance!)

Write It Down
If you have any worries, or a million things on your to-do list and you're worried you won't have time, or will miss out on something important - write it down. Jot it down, blog about it, do whatever you need to do, just get it off your chest and out of your mind.

Step Outside
Go outside and get some fresh air for five minutes. Being stuck indoors all day can drive anyway a bit crazy, so get outside. Walk in your garden, stand on your doorstep, relax and just listen to nature or take a quick stroll around the block and embrace the world around you.

Self Care Ideas When You Only Have 5 Minutes

Focus On Your Breathing
Sit somewhere quiet, and take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes and just concentrate on your breathing. Take a big, deep breathe and hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Focusing on your breathing, and nothing else can help relax you and ease tension.

Drink Water
We all know how drinking enough water daily is really important for our health. It can be a struggle sometimes to remember to drink enough, so take these 5 minutes to drink a big cold glass of water and boost your water intake for the day!

Dance Or Sing
One thing I used to do all the time when I lived alone, and needed a bit of a boost - was to put on one of my favourite songs, and play it loudly. I used to dance or sing out loud and proud, and it really cheered me up! Every time!

Make Plans With Loved Ones
Take these 5 minutes to make a plan with friends or family to do something together soon. Not just 'We need to do something soon' but what you are going to do, where and when. Write it down in your diary or on your calendar, and give yourself something fun to look forward to. 

Take A Shower
Taking a short shower can improve anyone's mood instantly. Wash off your worries, relax and don't forget to turn the shower right down for a quick burst of cold water at the end, to help ease any stresses and improve circulation. 

Self Care Ideas When You Only Have 5 Minutes

What do you like to do, when you have 5 minutes to yourself? 


If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

Self Care Ideas When You Only Have 5 Minutes


My New Year Goals 2022

If you know me, you'll know how much I love writing goals! Even if they are simple things I want to achieve that day, setting goals always makes me feel more positive and they feel fantastic when you complete them! So of course I was going to set some goals for the new year. I've repeated a few from last year, as I either want to continue to do them or work harder on them this year! 


In my personal opinion, I don't think 'resolutions' are ever a good idea, and it feels like you are setting yourself up for failure. By choosing a resolution it means you have to start immediately on January 1st, and if you give up at any point throughout the year, you've failed. Goals are far more realistic and achievable. Things to work towards each month, but with no strict schedule. Something to aim for.

I also think it's important to break goals down into easier chunks. Unlike resolutions, you can take small steps towards your goals each month which makes you far more likely to achieve them. So each week and each month I've got steps to aim towards for each of my goals, and hopefully by next year I will have achieved them all! So without further ado, my goals for the year!

My New Year Goals 2022

Read At Least 12 Books
Last year I was really awful, and I honestly think I only read 1 book. 365 days and only 1 book, that's ridiculous! So this year I'm determined to read at least 12, which can equate to 1 book a month, or however many I feel like! I've got a few lined up already.

Drink More Water
This is always always on my goal list. I always get so far and then give up! I drink too much tea, and I drink a lot of squash too so this is high on my priorities this year! Over the past year, I've been better at drinking water than I normally do, but I still need more!

Start New Business
I've got big plans for this year, I've been planning it since last Summer actually. It's pretty secretive for now, but fingers crossed you'll be seeing lots of new and exciting things around here very soon.

Save Money
Another goal that is always, and will probably always be on my goal list! I'm terrible at saving money full stop, and even when I do I end up spending it later on! That completely defeats the point! I've got a few steps in place to encourage me to save more this year so hopefully I manage to!

Commit To A Proper Skincare Routine
As I'm slowly approaching my 30's, it's definitely time to start taking better care of my skin. Don't get me wrong, I remove my make up thoroughly every night, and moisturise twice a day - but that's about it. I need to find out what products I really should be using!

Spend Quality Time With Everyone I Love
We do spend quality time together, but there's no such thing as too much. I need to try harder to make time for the people I love, in my love. 1 on 1 time with my children, quality time with my husband and friends too. I need to make more effort, with everyone this year. 

Create A Better Morning/Night/Working Routine
Something I will definitely struggle with, as I am such a night owl and tend to stay up until 1:30-2ish every night. Therefore, when my little ones wake up at 6am, I've barely slept. It's ridiculous and I'm constantly exhausted, so it's time to stop! I need to make more time in the day to sit down and work, like a normal person! 

Start Creative Journaling
I really want to utilise my journals this year. Fill all the pages with creativity, take time out to myself to express my creativity and jot down everything and anything. I'd love it to be something to look back on at the end of the year.


Have you set any goals this year? 



If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

My New Year Goals 2022