Why It's Important Be Kind To Yourself On A Regular Basis

We always strive to be kind to others. Whether that be friends, family or strangers (well, not all of them) but we always forget to be kind to the most important person of all - ourselves. 


With everything that has happened over the last nearly two years. You know, getting locked away from the outside world, some have forgotten to show kindness to others. Consideration from some people has seemed to have gone out the window. Selfishness seems to have really crept into our society of late and it's not pleasant. 

A woman smiling with sticky notes stuck on door behind her.

Because of this, and I know it's near the end of the calendar year and I shouldn't be making resolutions yet, but I want to aim to be kind and gentle to myself and make it a regular task. It doesn't cost a thing to be kind, especially to yourself. 


One of the times I should grasp the opportunity is when I'm having a bad day. Bad days can usually mean me being incredibly hard on myself. For example, not ticking off everything on my to-do list or if something goes wrong and it makes me feel shitty about myself. I need to let go of those expectations and accept that not all days are going to be good. Especially with my life. However, I am somebody who is all for sharing the crappy stuff online (not completely everything, a line has to be drawn!) and show to others that it's more than ok to have a bad day. Not all days are going to be unicorns and roses. 

Sticky notes with kind words written on them.

Being kind to myself doesn't just have to be associated with having a bad day. It can coincide with confidence and, more importantly, self-esteem. 


Now, I am most certainly a woman who struggles to see the good things in myself. I can look at myself in the mirror after getting ready and immediately feel the urge to criticise my body. 

"My stomach looks bloated"
"How flat is my arse?!"
"I could button these jeans up yesterday so what's happened since then?!"


Well, you get the idea.


I need to start being kinder to my body and its appearance. I'm going to go all cliche on your arses now and say that all bodies are perfect and we should embrace our flaws because that's what we have and should accept that...
Well, it's true though, isn't it?! 

A woman standing with sticky notes on door behind her.

Spreading kindness to yourself is key. It can really have a detrimental effect on your mental health if you are completely negative about yourself. I know some of you who may be reading this may struggle with this. I totally get that. I've been there and bought the t-shirt numerous times, but I want to get out of that mindset and be kind to myself regularly and not automatically look for the negatives. That's not a good mindset and outlook for me to have - and it wouldn't do you any good either. 


A little kindness, whether that be to yourself or others, can go such a long way. Just saying one kind word to yourself on a regular basis can help so much. It can be something as simple as using post-it notes with kind words written on them darted about your desk or door. It could be saying a kind word to yourself whilst looking in the mirror. Using affirmation cards with kind quotes and words on them can be a winner!


Just remember guys, we've had an atrocious couple of years, remember to be kind to yourself. The difference it can make to your outlook on yourself and life is exceptional. I know it has done for me. 
52 comments
  1. I always try and think about how I'd speak to a friend if they were having a bad day and try to speak to myself in the same way - it only occassionally works but it's a start!
    Amy x
    callmeamy.co.uk

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    1. I really like that concept you do Amy, what a wonderful idea! x

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  2. Kindness is one of the most important, if not THE most important, thing is this world. I don't understand how the world has become so overrun with hatred for others of all different races, sexualities etc. Especially as the world is meant to largely religious. Why would anyone think any Gods want anger and wrath over over love and acceptance?

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    1. It really is so important!
      I don't know how people can show hatred towards people for their race and sexuality, it really does defy belief x

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  3. Yes! We do often forget about ourselves when it comes to being kind. I think writing down or thinking of things you like about yourself is such a good exercise!

    Claire. X

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    1. I think it can definitely help wellbeing and confidence in writing down the good things about yourself! x

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  4. It is so important to be kind to yourself!

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  5. Incredible post! Being gentle and kind is so important. I love using affirmation cards and quotes throughout the day. They serve as great reminders that we're doing our best and should be proud. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you lovely!
      I totally agree, affirmation cards and quotes can be great reminders of how wonderful we are!

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  6. Yes to this, Lucy! It's easy to be kind to others, but not at all easy to be kind to ourselves. Yet kindness begins at home, I believe the saying goes - fab post and a timely reminder, thank you! x

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    1. I think we all sometimes struggle to be kind to ourselves and just focus on being kind to others.
      I like that saying Lisa! x

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  7. I think that this is a really important read for all. I have been told that I'm not kind to myself enough and that I'm too tough on myself. I have decided to make a change to that and be kinder. It's hard unlearning this negativity but it'll make such a difference, I know it!

    Rosie

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    1. Aww I hope you're not too tough on yourself Rosie! Please be kinder to yourself lovely!

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  8. Some great reminders in this post. I definitely agree that being kind to yourself changes your outlook, always good in the long run!

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    1. It really can change your outlook Anika! It can really change your mindset in a positive way x

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  9. Such a lovely read! I cannot agree more with you. So important to be kind to yourself x

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    1. Thank you Lea! It's so important to remember to be kind to ourselves x

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  10. Hi Lucy,

    I think being kind, to yourself and others, is an outlook. Once you start doing it the process becomes automatic. Even if its just simple stuff like letting somebody pull out at a give way, reaching something off the top shelf in a supermarket for a little old lady that is struggling, buying a hot drink and sandwich for the homeless person sat in a doorway on a freezing morning.

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    1. One little kind action on our part daily can help so much, whether it's to ourselves and/or others x

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  11. This is such a great topic. I always try to be kind to others but am very much lacking when it comes to being kind to myself.

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    1. I hope you can practice being kind to yourself Kelly x

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  12. Such an important post especially at a time when mental health is increasing and people are struggling! I have always been kind as that is how I have been brought up and it’s just a part of me. Like a lot of others I haven’t necessarily been kind to myself but I am definitely doing better with that ☺️

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    1. I love that you are a kind person and that you have been brought up that way, my Mam always brought me up to be kind too. I'm glad you are getting better at being kind to yourself Gemma!

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  13. Such an important topic, a lovely post to share!

    Gemma Louise

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  14. Great post! The holiday season is often about being kind to others and we often lose sight of the importance of being kind to ourselves. This post is a great reminder to do so.

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    1. I agree lovely, we focus on being kind to others during the holiday season but forget to be kind to ourselves!

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  15. I loved this post! I agree, we should make sure we are being kind to ourselves. It's something I've been struggling with a bit recently actually and it needs to change asap lol x

    astoldbykirsty.co.uk

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    1. Thank you Kirsty! I hope you try to be kind to yourself also Kirsty x

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  16. 100% this! I feel like many of us spend so much time filling our thoughts with negativity about ourselves it becomes so self-destructive. Great reminders here to show kindness to ourselves!

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    1. I agree, I think some of us can go into destructive mode and forget to be kind to ourselves!

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  17. I couldn't agree more, I have to remind myself to talk to myself as if I were a friend, as I would never speak to them so negatively!

    Kathleen / www.madeinthe1990s.com

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    1. That's the best way to be kind to yourself Kathleen! x

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  18. Aww, I love this blog post! Being kind to yourself is often forgotten, we are constantly told to be kind to others but yourself is so important too x

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    1. Thank you Caroline! It's definitely just as important to be kind to ourselves as it is to be kind to others! x

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  19. This is such an important post! Being kind to yourself should be no1 priority and we should all spend more time doing just that x

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    1. It definitely should be one of our top priorities Della! x

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  20. A lovely post and a perfect reminder! I've been trying to be kinder to myself over the years for sure.

    Corinne x

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    1. I'm glad that you have been kinder to yourself over the years Corinne! x

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  21. I am absolutely here for this blog post!

    Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk

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  22. Yea it's quite important to practice self kindness. And there are many ways to do that too, keeping a check from health to mental wellness, and to the goals and ambitions too. It matters and translates to many more including people around us. A kind thought. Thanks for that. Xx
    Isa A. Blogger
    https://www.lifestyleprism.com/

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    1. You're right lovely, there are so many ways to practice self-kindness, and it's important that we do that! xx

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  23. Omg this is so needed, I'm the worse for this at the moment esp as I'm trying to navigate a "new" body again since I had Evie - mega love hate relationship with my jeans right now

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    1. Aww Alice! I hope this post has helped, I hope the love/hate relationship with your jeans ends well! x

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  24. I'm definitely guilty of being very hard on myself. I try and remind myself often, would I say to a friend what I'm saying to myself? No? Then why is it okay to be so unkind to myself! Great post Lucy xx

    Violethollow.com

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    1. That's a good way to look at it lovely, you wouldn't say those things to a friend so why should you say it about yourself? xx

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  25. Couldn't agree more! It's been a shitty few years for us all, so now more than ever it's important to treat ourselves with a bit of kindness. Thank you for sharing!

    Amy | sassycatlady.com

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  26. Such an important reminder, thank you. The world is so tough right now, we all need to be a bit kinder to ourselves.

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  27. Such an important post, I often struggle with body confidence so this has given me a little pick me up, thanks Lucy x

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  28. This is so important. I often am encouraging others and then question why I don't do this for myself. You need to be your own champion.

    Amy x
    The July Rose

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