You Deserve Kindness: 6 Ways To Practice Self-Compassion
When it comes to running our business, most of us know what to do. For example, to drive people to our blogs, we share our posts on social media or run ads.
What I find solopreneurs like myself to be bad at is self-compassion. Do you say unkind words to yourself when you fail to reach your daily goals? Do you work yourself to death, neglect exercise, and fill your body with bad fuel? If so, you ought to be kinder to yourself. Loving yourself makes you a happier, healthier, and more able to cope with stress.
In this article, Lifestyle Solopreneur shares 6 tips to start being more kind to yourself. Read on.
1. Look for ways to de-stress.
Stress is inevitable in life. However, it’s important that you identify good stress and bad stress. Constant bad stress triggers a plethora of health problems such as heart disease and depression. Invest in simple ways to de-stress: meditate, do yoga, or spend the weekend at the beach!
Read: Anti-Stress Hacks You Can Use In The Next 5 Minutes
2. Recognize your accomplishments.
Did you finish writing today? Have you created your first email for your email newsletter? Before moving on to your next task, pause for a while to appreciate what you’ve done. Acknowledging your efforts, no matter how little, creates positive feelings. It helps you to realize how wonderfully complex you are.
3. Make exercise a daily habit.
Regular exercise makes you a better solopreneur. Even if you’re “extremely busy,” physical activity should be something that’s non-negotiable. Research shows that exercise helps eliminate brain fog and it enhances your memory and thinking skills. You can start with a simple 15-minute exercise that includes jumping jacks, running in place, and bicycle kicks.
4. Spend time in nature.
Spend most of your time indoors? Do yourself a favor by having a picnic with your loved ones at a local park or hike with a few buddies in the countryside. Everything in nature reduces stress -- the sun, sound of birds chirping, trees, wind, and water. It refreshes your mind so you can come back to work renewed and better!
5. Stop comparing yourself with others.
Break the habit of feeling insecure just because you think another person’s idea or accomplishment is way better. If you focus on others’ progress, you could lose sight of your own. One thing you can do is to identify your own triggers. Is it social media? Constantly checking another solopreneur’s website? Avoid these triggers.
6. Remind yourself of your best qualities.
Right now, I would like you to take a pen and paper, and write down five good qualities about yourself. Whether that’s your ability to stay calm, your intelligence, or your funny personality, write it down. Seeing these positive traits reminds you of how unique and wonderful you are.
Read: Simple Things You Can Do To Feel Empowered Today As A Solopreneur
Conclusion
If there’s one person you should be kinder to, that’s yourself. Being kind to yourself isn’t selfish. If you fill yourself up, you will have more to give to your business and others in your life. What do you think are other ways to practice self-care and self-compassion? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.