Resolutions: How to stick to them with Self-Compassion
As we are 50 days into 2024, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect on our progress and the journey we've embarked upon. While setting goals for ourselves is an essential part of personal growth, it is equally important to approach them with empathy and compassion for ourselves. Often, in the fervour of the new year, we become so consumed by our newfound motivation, that we forget to be kind to ourselves when the excitement wears off.
Here are a few easy ways to keep your resolutions without self-blame -
Setting realistic goals - It is important to set achievable goals, keeping your mental and physical limitations in mind. Breaking down goals into smaller pragmatic goals is a great way to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Setting mindful goals - being mindful of the goals you are setting and the motivation behind them is a great way to keep yourself from disappointment. Aligning your goals to your values is an important part of setting long-term goals
Celebrating progress - we often focus on perfection rather than progress. Celebrating even small wins can increase your motivation and avoid discouragement.
Create a support system - we are stronger together! Finding people to motivate and support you with your resolutions is a crucial part of keeping yourself determined. It is a great idea to find a group of people with similar goals or resolutions.
Reflect and learn - setbacks are a part of the process, but it is crucial to understand they aren't failures. It is rather an opportunity to reflect and learn from your experiences to better yourself.
Enjoy the process - while it is natural to get caught up in trying to achieve the goal, it is vital to find joy in what you are doing to keep doing it for the long term.
Life is unpredictable, our situations and circumstances change ever so often leading us to be inconsistent with our goals. During these times, it is very important to be kind to ourselves with actions and words, just like how you would be to a friend. A little slump in the journey is not a failure, but rather a lesson to learn and grow from.
Transformative Effects of Kindness and Giving
There have been many studies that prove that charity and kindness can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health.
We have all heard the saying “Charity begins at home”, but when it goes beyond our homes, we are building a world where kindness prevails.
There have been many studies that prove that charity and kindness can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health. So, let's explore the science behind the magic of being charitable and its positive effects on both the recipient and the giver.
Improves emotional well-being - Being charitable and kind helps our body release a feel-good hormone called serotonin which helps boost our mental health, self-esteem and happiness. It helps us form connections and have a sense of belonging.
Reduces stress and anxiety - Being kind to others has proven to reduce the stress hormone called cortisol in our bodies, which in turn helps you feel calmer.
Strengthens immune system - Being generous and kind releases a growth hormone called oxytocin which positively impacts our immune system.
Keeps us motivated - Giving releases a hormone called dopamine which gives you feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
Helps us live longer - Studies indicate that engaging in charity and kindness may increase your lifespan. It is also linked to lower blood pressure and a healthier heart.
In a world that runs on the culture of hustle and bustle, many of us are either on the brink of or currently grappling with mental health challenges. It is imperative we make a conscious effort to contribute to society as well as our well-being by imbibing kindness and charity into our lives.
Kind Parents Raise Kind Children
Kind parents raise kind children, six tips on how to self regulate and raise a kind child.
While we must prepare our children for this competitive world and give them the best possible start in life, it is equally vital to raise them to be kind. As parents, we are responsible for moulding the next generation and how we do it defines the kind of world they create. Imagine having the opportunity to nurture and shape the lives of future presidents, prime ministers, lawmakers, doctors and other influential members of society. A person's kindness impacts their decisions, which in turn impacts the world. Raising kind children is a gift to your children as well as to society.
As parents, we are well aware of the complexities of parenting, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, here are six things we can do to help them grow up as kind individuals -
Children learn from what they see and not what they are told - Encourage empathy and kindness in your daily life and inspire your children to follow suit.
Promote Kindness and Respect - As parents are sure to make mistakes, we are human after all! Try to be kind at your weakest moments and respect your children enough to apologise where needed.
Practice empathy - Encourage your children to listen and validate others’ emotions while learning to respect and understand different perspectives.
Teach acceptance - We live in a diverse society and teaching our kids to accept each others’ differences can foster friendships and inclusivity.
Practice self-care as a parent - When your children see you treating yourself with kindness, they will most certainly learn to treat themselves with kindness as well. Only if you are kind to yourself, can you be kind to others around you.
Appreciate your children for their kindness - Don't forget to praise them when they do something right.
Save these 5 condensed tips for later
Providing your children with a loving, safe environment will help them become stronger and kinder individuals. Many studies have shown that kindness is a valuable quality which helps your children succeed and live happier lives. Kind children lead to kinder classrooms kinder universities and kinder workspaces.
Be kind, Raise kind!
Be Kind Movement's initiatives to promote kindness among children through storytelling, educational resources, and creative workshops have significantly impacted many lives. For more information about our programmes, please visit our website.
It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, so share any advice and opinions you have for parents. Join us in making the world a kinder and better place.