Showing posts with label personal growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal growth. Show all posts

New Year Wellness Goal Ideas for Mums
As a mum, your time is dedicated to everyone else’s needs. But nurturing your own wellbeing is crucial too. I wanted to share with you today some realistic, and achievable wellness goals to try this New Year, aimed at mums.

Although, I’ve said it many many times before, do not set resolutions. Resolutions are soul sucking, miserable, detrimental ideas - if you fail, you're done, and there’s no point trying again. Goals are SO much better, goals can be fun! Goals are something to work towards, something to challenge yourself, so I wanted to share a few different goal ideas today!

Prioritise Sleep
Hands up if you ensure you have the correct amount of sleep every night?? Me neither. Sleep is hugely important, and we brush it off like it’s just a waste of time. This year, commit to getting enough rest by establishing a good bedtime routine. Set a consistent sleep schedule, and create a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual. Whether it's reading a book, drinking a hot drink, or having a warm bath. Create a wellbeing ritual that helps you wind down before you go to bed. Aim for quality sleep to recharge your mind and body!

Embrace Movement
Finding time to exercise can feel nearly impossible, but even regular, short bursts of activity absolutely count! Why not try and incorporate mini workouts throughout your day. A 10 minute yoga session, an afternoon walk with the kiddos. Despite what you might think, you don’t need to spend hours working out. Small bursts throughout the day make it so much easier to fit exercise into your daily life.

New Year Wellness Goal Ideas for Mums

Nurture Mindfulness
It’s all about carving out moments of peace amongst the chaos. Mindfulness doesn’t need to be long meditation sessions. Whether it is just a few minutes of deep breathing exercises, or you could even try some of the free mindfulness apps out there. Cultivating mindfulness as a habit can help you manage stress, and bring a sense of peace, and calm to your otherwise crazy, busy life.

Healthy Eating Habits
Fuel your body with nutritious meals, with no pressure of perfection. Work towards balance instead of being so strict on yourself. You might lose weight by being strict on yourself, but it is not a good way to live, and it is not by any means sustainable. Try preparing simple, healthier meals and even involve your children in the cooking if you want! Small changes in eating habits can make a big difference in your overall wellness.

New Year Wellness Goal Ideas for Mums

Schedule Me Time
Allocate small moments of time, just for yourself, no matter how small. A quiet cup of tea, a cosy bath, a sunrise walk alone, a creative activity - anything you fancy as long as you are making time for yourself. For your hobbies, your interests, yourself. Prioritising yourself helps you reconnect with who you are as a person, instead of just being “mum”.

Learn to Say NO
Setting boundaries is an act of self love, and self preservation. It’s totally ok to say no to commitments that overwhelm you. Prioritise your mental wellbeing by learning to say no when necessary, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help or join support groups if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Counselling, therapy or mum groups can offer a safe space to share experiences, advice and support!

New Year Wellness Goal Ideas for Mums

Be Kind To Yourself
Most of all, the most important goal for the year is to be gentle to yourself. Remember you are doing an incredible job. Celebrate small victories, forgive setbacks and embrace imperfections. Self compassion is so important for a healthy, fulfilling, happy life!

It’s not about striving for perfection, it’s about nurturing habits that prioritise your wellbeing throughout your motherhood journey. It’s about finding that balance. Start small, be consistent and remember, you deserve just as much love as you willingly give to others.

Cheers to a year filled with self care and growth!


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Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood
Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, amazing, life changing moments and big challenges too. Amongst the whirlwind of responsibilities it's easy for mums to feel overwhelmed - and forget to notice, and cherish the magical moments. In the fast paced world, finding magic in every day is essential for growing as human beings, connecting with our selves and the world around us. Let's talk about how to rediscover the wonder in the little moments, embrace the present and notice the simple pleasures that make the motherhood journey extraordinary. 

Embracing The Here And Now
While multitasking and juggling all our responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of what is going on right now, in this present moment. However the magic of motherhood lies in being fully present with our children. In this day and age, letting go of and putting away distractions is not the easiest thing. Flicking through our phones is an awful habit, that the majority of us have! It's going to take strict determination to put your phone away if you want to be present in the moment. So take a deep breath, let go of distractions and immerse yourself in the here and now. Whether it's reading a bedtime story, playing in the park or enjoying a family meal - be present with your child, savouring the time you spend together!

Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood

Look At The World Through Your Child's Eyes
Children have a natural ability to see the world as it is meant to be seen. With wonder, magic and awe. Embrace their curiosity and join them in exploring the small miracles that surround us daily. From the colours of a butterfly, to listening to their imaginative stories. Let your child sense of wonder reignite your own.

Discover Beauty In The Mundane
In the routine of motherhood, we often overlook the beauty in the ordinary. As mentioned above, try to pause and notice the little things in your every day life. From the way the sunlight shines through your window, your children's laughter or a warm hug. Embrace the magic of these mundane moments and find gratitude in the simple things in life.

Engage In 'Magic' Rituals
Add a touch of magic to your motherhood journey by lighting scented candles, cooking by candlelight, listening to calming, peaceful music, creating a soothing bedtime routine or practising gratitude in the morning. These rituals can ground you and your children, creating a sense of calm in your home.

Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood

Capture Moments
There is a fine line of using your phone to distract yourself from daily life, and using your phone to document the special moments of every day life. The little, magical moments of motherhood can be treasured forever with the help of photographs and journals. Take photos of precious moments (and print the photos!), write down funny anecdotes, jot down your children's insightful quotes. By documenting these magical moments you create a treasure trove of memories to revisit and cherish as your children grow.

Seek Support 
Motherhood can be isolating, but finding a community of like-minded mothers can be the touch of magic you need. From support groups to parenting communities, or best friends who share your experiences. Sharing these moments with other mums who have been or are going through similar experiences can remind you that you are not alone, and the magic of motherhood extends far beyond your own home.




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Finding Magic in Everyday Motherhood

How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent
Mum guilt is a common feeling among many mothers, and it can be overwhelming at times. It is that feeling of inadequacy or anxiety that mothers experience when they feel they are not doing enough for their children. This feeling can be triggered by different things, such as taking time for oneself, pursuing a career, or simply not being able to meet one's own expectations. In this article, we will explore ways of overcoming mum guilt and dealing with it in a healthy way, while also addressing how it relates to anxiety. 

The first step in overcoming mum guilt is acknowledging it. Many mothers feel guilty for feeling guilty, as if it is a sign of weakness or a reflection of their parenting abilities. However, it is important to remember that it is a natural feeling and that almost every mother experiences it at some point. Once you acknowledge your feelings of mum guilt, you can start to take action to address them. One way to deal with mum guilt is to set realistic expectations for yourself. It is common for mothers to set high standards for themselves and feel guilty when they cannot meet them. However, it is important to remember that perfection is not attainable, and it is okay to make mistakes. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.

How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent

Another way to overcome mum guilt is to practice self-care. Many mothers feel guilty for taking time for themselves, but self-care is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Taking a break, engaging in a hobby, or simply taking a nap can help you recharge and feel more present and engaged with your family. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather an important part of being a good parent.

Mum guilt can also be increased by social media and comparisons to other mothers. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to others, but it is important to remember that everyone's parenting journey is different. What works for one mother may not work for another, and it is important to focus on your own unique strengths and abilities as a parent.

How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent


When it comes to mum guilt and anxiety, it is important to address any underlying mental health issues. Anxiety can intensify feelings of guilt and make it difficult to manage. If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. 

 Another way to deal with mum guilt and anxiety is to practice mindfulness and self-compassion. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and non-judgmentally accepting one's thoughts and feelings. Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding, rather than self-criticism. By practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, you can reduce anxiety and create a more positive and accepting mindset. 

How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent

Mum guilt is a common feeling among mothers, but it is possible to overcome it. By acknowledging your feelings, setting realistic expectations, practicing self-care, avoiding comparisons, addressing underlying mental health issues, and practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, you can reduce feelings of guilt and anxiety and enjoy a more fulfilling parenting journey. 

Remember, it is okay to ask for help and to take time for yourself. 
You are doing the best you can, and that is enough.
How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent



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14 Ways To Embrace Hygge This Spring
Embracing hygge in the spring has many benefits, from appreciating the little things to spending time with loved ones and creating a cosy sanctuary to relax in. It's not just for the colder months, as there are plenty of spring hygge essentials that can help you achieve a healthy, happy life. Here are 14 ways to embrace hygge this spring and experience the benefits of hygge:

Plant Seeds
Getting out in the garden is such a lovely feeling. Planting seeds outside not only helps to get that essential Vitamin D, but it helps bring new life to your garden and watching something grow from a seed is so satisfying. 

Get Outside Whatever The Weather
Speaking of going out in the garden, getting outside in general is so good for you and makes you feel happy. So whether the sun is shining and you can relax in the garden, or the rain is pouring, grab some waterproofs and wellies and go out and enjoy it. I promise you'll feel good!

14 Ways To Embrace Hygge This Spring

Let The Light In
Open your curtains and let that gorgeous sunlight in, even if it's not a particularly sunny day, it'll make you feel better letting the light in. If it's a warmer day, open some windows too to let that wonderful Spring air into your home.

Brighten Your Home With Flowers
Having fresh flowers in your home can do wonders for your mood, not to mention how beautiful they look! They can brighten up any mood and always help you feel in more of Spring mood! Treat yourself and buy a bunch, or even pick some of your own from the garden. 

Read A Good Book
If you've been putting off or not being able to find the time to pick up that book you've been meaning to read - now is the time. If the weathers dull, make yourself a cuppa and snuggle down with the book or if the sun is shining (who knows, it's England!) grab a blanket and a few cushions and head outside to read a few chapters!

14 Ways To Embrace Hygge This Spring

Enjoy A Picnic Or BBQ
The perfect way to spend some quality time with loved ones during Spring, and enjoy good food at the same time. Why not host a bbq for your family and friends, or even head to the local park with a delicious picnic?

Practice Self Care
Self care is important all year round, but during the warmer seasons taking care of your skin is essential. Why not pamper your feet ready for sandal season, or apply a moisturizing face mask? Self care isn't just about pampering though, it's about taking time out just for you. Perhaps that's filling in your bullet journal, meeting with friends or even just taking a nap in the sunshine!

Visit A Market
Outdoor market are really happy places to be! They're always so full of life, bright colours, delicious smells and lots of wonderful things to buy. You could try a farmers market, fruit and veg market, clothing market, whatever you fancy!

Spring Clean
It might not seem like the most fun way to spend Spring, but it's so satisfying and uplifting to your mood when your home feels all fresh, clutter free and clean!

14 Ways To Embrace Hygge This Spring

Go On A Bike Ride
I used to go on bike rides all the time before children. Just getting outside in the fresh air, not specific place to go, just enjoying the ride! It's such a wonderful feeling. You could go alone with nothing but the wind in your hair, with your partner as a romantic date or even make it a family event!

Bake Something Delicious
Why not try some delicious new recipes using in season ingredients? You could even invite a few friends over for dinner, or cook along with them! It's a great way to try new things, use seasonal ingredients and spend time with loved ones!

Light Candles
Candles are a Hygge essential, and they are not just for cosy Autumn nights. Candles can be used all year round, and they really help create a lovely atmosphere - plus they can make your home smell amazing too. 

Leave The Lights Off
The days are getting longer, there's much more daylight than during the colder months. Which means you hopefully don't need to use the main lighting in your home too often. We only have the one upstairs light on for an hour or so at night during Spring! Why not light a few more candles, and dim the lighting to create a calm, cosy atmosphere in your home. (Of course, be sensible though! If you have children running around, blow out the candles and turn on the lights!)

Exercise Outdoors
If the warmer weather is making you too uncomfortably hot to want to exercise, never fear - go outside! Whether it's doing your normal workout on the lawn instead of in the living room, going for a long walk with your little ones or going for an early evening run, get outside! Get some exercise and Vitamin D at the same time - you're sure to feel amazing for it!

Do you embrace Hygge in your life?


14 Ways To Embrace Hygge This Spring


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7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children
Becoming a mum changes your life, there's no doubt about that. It's one of the most life changing experiences that you can go through. You go from being independent, just having yourself to take care of, then suddenly being responsible for a whole new life. It's sets us up on a completely different pathway. It can make you feel like you are losing part of your identity, you no longer feel like you anymore. Or at least the you you once were. It's so important as a mum that you have a strong sense of self, of who you are. Even if it's not the you that you used to be. Yes it might be a drastic change, but it's an amazing one. I'm sharing a few ways to help you feel like you again, after having children.

It might feel like your identity has been forgotten somewhere along the way, that you have lost yourself. But trust me, you're still in there. You just need to reignite that feeling, rediscover the person inside. 

Catch Up With Old Friends Or Make New Ones
Meet up with some of your old friends for a coffee, invite them over for a catch up. This is definitely something that works. I don't know if it's just me, but whenever I see my old friends, even if I haven't seen them for a good few years it doesn't feel like that. It doesn't feel like any time has passed. You should even try to make some new mummy friends. New friends who you'll have things in common with, and you can sit down with a coffee and a cake together and discuss motherhood, and everything that comes with it. While it's fantastic to keep in touch with your old friends, it's great to make new, like minded friends like you too. Visit a parent & baby group, get chatting to parents at the park. Whatever works for you. 

Do Things Just For You
I know I find it hard to do things just for me sometimes, but it's important. You need to take care of yourself and you deserve to do things just for your own fulfilment now and then. Remind yourself that you are 'not just a mum'. Treat yourself, do something you love doing, something that makes you happy and feel good. Learn something new, apply for a job, go out for the afternoon. Everyone deserves a break now & then.

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children

Ask For Help
Ahh the classic piece of advice new mums are always given. 'If you need help, ask for it', but the truth is we don't want to. We don't want to ask for help or advice because we will feel like a bit of a disappointment if we cannot cope alone. This is such rubbish. Everyone needs help sometimes, everyone deserves help sometimes. There's no shame in asking for it, especially when you are a new mum. It can be overwhelming, and people are more often than not so willing to help out. Take advantage of an extra pair of hands!

Do Something Spontaneous
When was the last time you were spontaneous? Yes it's pretty tricky to do something on the spur of moment when you have kids, because of course you don't just have yourself to think about. But it's still possible. Hire a babysitter, or ask a family member and go on a spontaneous date night! Book a last minute holiday, pack up and go on a road trip or even just go for it and book yourself in to have that hair cut you've wanted for months. 

Do Things By Yourself
As a mum, It can be hard to find time just to yourself. There's always something you should be doing. But finding that time just for you is so important. We tend to feel a bit guilty when we take time out for ourselves, because there's always something else we could be doing, something to tick off that never ending checklist but truth is, some things can wait. Taking care of yourself is something we should be doing - so add it to that checklist! (and not right at the bottom!). Make the time to do things by yourself. When your parents are looking are your little ones, when they're at nursery, or school. Do something alone. Just by yourself. Go to a café, the cinema. Go on a long walk or snuggle on the sofa with a movie and popcorn. What ever you fancy, just spend some quality time with yourself!

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children

Try Some Retail Therapy
When you first become a mum, your whole sense of style tends to just get thrown out the window. It's totally understandable! Comfort is key! But when your little ones get a bit older, you can spend a bit more time on your clothing choices.  Treat yourself to a new item of clothing, it'll make you feel and look amazing. 

Spend Time On Your Appearance
I get it, I totally get it. When you have children, it's so much harder to find the time to make yourself up like you used to. You might have discovered that you love more neutral, natural make up and that's perfectly fine! I tend to wear minimal make up in the day now, and just shove my hair in a mum bun! But every once in a while, spend a bit more time. Get your hair done, paint your nails. Pamper yourself. You're worth it.

It's not the fact that your identity has disappeared, or you have forgotten who you are. It's the fact that yes, becoming a mum is a huge, life changing thing. It's going to change you, but it doesn't mean you are not you anymore. It will add to who you were. You are different. But that's ok. 

You have changed but you are still you, and you are amazing. 

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 International Women's Day may mean different things to different people, but above all else it's about celebrating women! Celebrating all the things women can and have achieved throughout history. To celebrate gender equality, the advancement of women's rights, political, social, cultural achievements across the globe! 

9 Empowering Ways To Celebrate International Women's Day!

I wanted to share a few fantastic ways for us all to celebrate the day, personally, as a group or even as a family!

Join in the #BreakTheBias campaign
This years IWD campaign is entitled Break The Bias. It's about collectively creating an equal world, an enabled world. A world where we challenge stereotypes, improve situations, fight bias. A healthier, wealthier world where we can all thrive and look after each other. After all, equality is not women's issue, it should be everyone's priority. 

To join in on the campaign you can help spread the word on social media. Share your support by striking a pose and standing up, as an individual for what you believe in. You can also download 'selfie cards' to help promote action and show your support. 

Head To A March Or An Event
Grab your loved ones and head to a march to stand loud and proudly demand an end to gender violence, equal pay for equal work, freedom of choice and freedom of speech, body autonomy and gender stereotypes! You can have a quick google to see if there are any marches going on near you, or search here to see if there are any events in your area. 

Show Your Support For Other Women
Whether it's shouting from the rooftops, teaching your children about incredible women, showing your appreciation of your loved ones or best friends or declare your appreciation on social media. Nowadays there are so many ways to show how much you value and appreciate others, so make sure your voice is heard and spread the word.

9 Empowering Ways To Celebrate International Women's Day!


Encourage Your Children To Find Inspiration From Important Women
Teaching your children and young adults to openly challenge stereotypes and educating them about gender issues is hugely important to help create a more inclusive world. Speak to them about gender stereotypes, encourage them to celebrate all the wonderful things women can achieve and even share a story or two about some of the incredible women in history. Personally I really really love the 'Little People, Big Dreams' books but you can find some more book suggestions here, and here.

Compile An IWD Playlist And Play It LOUD
Create a motivational, upbeat playlist on Spotify celebrating all the fantastic women who have created beautiful music. Play the playlist all day loud, play it loud and sing along. Those women wanted to be heard and they deserve to be!

Do Something Kind For A Woman You Love
Whether it's your daughter, your wife, your partner, your best friend, your mum. Do something a little extra special for them today. Give them flowers, write them a handwritten note, take them out for the afternoon. Show them what an incredible human being they are and how much you treasure your relationship with them. 

Shop At Female-Run Small Businesses
Whether it's online or offline, try and challenge yourself to use female run small businesses. Help them celebrate all the fantastic achievements they have accomplished!

9 Empowering Ways To Celebrate International Women's Day!

Donate To A Women's Refuge
All women are incredible and all women deserve to be celebrated, no matter what hardship or struggles they may have gone through. So why not give something back and make a donation. It doesn't have to be money, women's refuges often accept bedding, clothes, or even food. Have a look online and see if there are any refuges or shelters near you.

Celebrate How Incredible YOU Are
If you want to stay at home and revel in just how amazing you are, that's ok too. Take the day to look after yourself, drink all the tea, watch all of that TV show, take a long hot bath, eat all the chocolate. Do whatever you want to celebrate your amazing self. 

"HERE'S TO STRONG WOMEN. 
MAY WE KNOW THEM. 
MAY WE BE THEM. 
MAY WE RAISE THEM."

How will you be celebrating International Women's Day?



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9 Empowering Ways To Celebrate International Women's Day!

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WONDERFUL WAYS HUGGING BENEFITS YOUR WELLBEING

There are many reasons why we hug others. Whether it's an excited hug, a sad hug, a happy hug, or even a loving hug. Hugging is comforting, it makes us feel loved and happy and there's genuine reasons behind that. 

One of the main reasons hugging is beneficial is it causes our oxytocin levels to rise, otherwise known as the 'bonding hormone'. Oxytocin is a particularly important hormone in women. It plays a role during pregnancy, in giving birth, as well as breastfeeding and helping develop a strong maternal bond.

Aside from this, there are a huge variety of reasons why hugging is beneficial for us all, and I'm sharing a few of the more wonderful ways below!

Hugs Help Reduce Stress

Hugging is something we tend to automatically do when a friend or loved one is going through tough times. We want to show them support and by giving them a good cuddle it will not only help to relax them but it will lower their blood pressure to help calm them. Hugging others when they are feeling stressed will help show them you are there to support them too.

Hugging is also fantastic for helping your child if they are having a tough day, or struggling with a tantrum. You may think that by cuddling your child when they are having a tantrum is 'rewarding bad behaviour' but that's far from the truth. Your child is only young and they are learning how to manage or regulate their emotions. So hug your child close when you can tell they are stressed. Calm them down, shower them with love and when they are relaxed you can talk to them calmly.

Hugs Strengthens Your Bond With Others

As hugging helps to release the 'bonding hormone' it gives feeling of closeness. It helps to promote bonding between two people, whether it's friend and friend, husband and wife, or mother and child. 

Hugging your friends, or your partner can help show you are comfortable with them, show them you are there for them and help to improve your relationship. Hugging your children shows them they are safe, comfortable, protected and loved. Your children will learn to recognise your scent, listen to your body and feel close and comforted with you around.

Hugs Help You Communicate

As I previously mentioned, hugging can help strengthen bonds. This happens by showing support, but also by showing slight vulnerability and expressing your emotions. Hugging is comforting and communicative, even without uttering a word. Giving someone a hug can show a huge range of emotions from sympathy, love, comfort, or empathy, without even having to speak.

WONDERFUL WAYS HUGGING BENEFITS YOUR WELLBEING

Hugs Help Alleviate Loneliness

Oxytocin helps reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness, and a lack of human contact can leave you feeling isolated or craving affection. Sadly, the world we live in now there is far less human contact or affection due to technology being so distracting. We switch on social media and switch off from others around us, and that is why the feeling of loneliness is so high nowadays. So switch off from technology more and be in the moment. Show more physical affection to those around you and we will all start to feel a lot less lonely.

Hugs Show Others How Much You Care

Hugging is a wonderful way of showing loved ones how much you care. A hug shows support, it shows love, understanding and the idea that you are there for them. As I mentioned above, a lack of physical affection can be damaging to our wellbeing, so we should all want to lift each other up and prove to them how much you appreciate them.

When it comes to your children, there is absolutely no such thing  as spoiling them with love. No matter when anyone says, shower your babies with physical affection and they'll know just how much you care for them. 

Hugging Makes You Physically Feel Better

The stress reducing effects of hugging also has health benefits too. Hugging releases tension, improves circulation, lowers your heart rate and causes your muscles to relax. It has also been scientifically proven that the increase in oxytocin can help strengthen immune systems! 

Did you know that when you are feeling aggravated or stressed, your immune system starts to work more aggressively, too aggressively which can actually increase your risk of becoming ill. So hug it out, relieve your stress and keep your immune system working well.

Hugs Create Happy, Loving Children

Children need different types of sensory stimulation for development, so hugging is important to grow a healthy brain and strong body. It has been scientifically proven that  showing warmth and affection to your children has a lifelong positive effect on not only your children, but their future family too as they learn from us. If we are loving and affectionate, they will grow up to be the same. Be sure to teach your children it's ok to refuse a hug too though. They are in charge of their own bodies. 

WONDERFUL WAYS HUGGING BENEFITS YOUR WELLBEING



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Why you should hug more! Hugging is good for you!


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?

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10 Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself