Are you giving yourself a hard time but judging yourself too hard and thinking too much about the ‘what ifs’? If you just nodded your head, this article is for you.
We are often so hard on ourselves that we forget that self improvement is not about this. Self improvement is about kindness and compassion, about giving and receiving and about improving both your physical and mental health.
We’ve made a list of tips you can follow in order to be the best version of yourself.
Be thankful
You’ve probably heard this a million times, didn’t you? We’re here to remind you about it, because it’s important. Being grateful for everything you have in your life, both the good and the bad can make you a better person. Make a daily habit out of creating a list of at least 5 things you are grateful for. Gratitude can have a huge impact on your daily life, it can help improve stress, sleep and cultivate positivity.
Take a break from your screen
Go for a digital detox. We know how hard it might be to get disconnected from work and social media, but try to unplug every once in a while, even for a short time. Use that time to reconnect with friends, to take a walk in nature, to practice mindfulness and to cultivate positive emotions. Studies have shown that our brain automatically compares our lives to the images we see on social media, giving ourselves a hard time and leaving us sad and unsatisfied with what we have. The next time you find yourself aimlessly scrolling through your feed, put that phone down and enjoy some quality time instead.
Be kind to yourself
Why is it that we find it so easy to show compassion to others, but when it comes to ourselves, we are so judgemental? Use positive self-talk, be your biggest fan – it’s hard to find motivation to be a better person if you are criticising yourself all the time. Treat yourself with optimism, you deserve the best. Be kind to yourself!
Be kind to everyone you meet, always
A simple smile can make someone else’s day. Greet everyone with a smile, this way you will feel more connected and present in the moment. What you get is what you give, so choose to be positive.
Do random acts of kindness
This doesn’t mean that you have to donate ridiculous amounts of money to charity. Simply paying a compliment to someone you meet or buying lunch for someone who can’t afford it will do the trick. Small, random acts of kindness can boost your happiness and gratitude.
Practice deep breathing
We get so wrapped in everyday’s problems, we often forget to take a moment and take a deep breath. Breathing exercises can have a huge impact on relaxing our bodies and minds, regulate stress and cortisol levels in our body. The next time you find yourself rushing through the day, take a moment and take a few deep breaths.
Keep your house clean
If your house is a mess, how can you expect that you are relaxed and stress-free? Take 30 minutes per day to clean your house, keep your things in their place and refresh the space you live in. The way you feel about your home can have a huge impact on your well-being.
Have a healthy sleeping routine
There’s no way you can accomplish everything you want to if you don’t sleep enough. Not resting enough can make you feel very unproductive and can negatively impact your mood. Try to get plenty of rest and find ways to improve the quality of your sleep.
Practice forgiveness
You can’t move easily in life if you heart is holding on to regret or resentment. If you can’t forgive others you won’t be able to forget yourself as well, so whenever you find yourself feeling any of these feelings towards others, learn how to let it go. Never go to bed angry. Clear your mind and heart of negative emotions and choose to forgive yourself and others.
Practice self-care
Self-care is not about expensive spa treatments. Self-care goes beyond pampering, it’s about eating well, exercising, taking time to connect with others or just relax by yourself. Make sure you make this an everyday habit.
It’s normal to strive for greatness and wish to be a better person.
Always remember that being the best version of yourself starts with kindness and showing yourself the same amount of compassion, understanding and trust you show others. You got this!
