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.

Good Health: The Cornerstone of Happiness

We all know the importance of good health. However, we often get caught up in the daily grind, focusing on work, family and personal goals. But don't worry, we got you! Read on as we break down the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and give you some easy pointers for a better life. 

To understand how we can better take care of ourselves, it is highly important to be mindful of the foundation of healthy living. A healthy lifestyle is built upon the principles of good nutrition, regular exercise and adequate rest.

Healthy Lifestyle - Storyboard

1. Mindful Eating - Choose food that supports your nourishment. Eat when hungry and stop before you feel full. Focus on the present moment while eating to support conscious choices and better eating habits.

2. Active Living - Regular exercise not only boosts your physical health but also your mental health. We have all personally experienced increased happiness, confidence and fulfilment when we are exercising regularly. Take a few minutes out of your day for a walk, run, gym or whatever rocks your boat. Ultimately, the only thing that keeps you dedicated is doing what you love.

3. Quality sleep - Prioritizing adequate rest each night is as important as any other steps you take in your self-care routine. It enhances your mood, making it easier to be kind to yourself and others. Feel ready for the next day with a good night's sleep. 

4. Self-care - Practice self-compassion and self-care to stay motivated and energetic. It not only helps you reset but also gives you a deeper understanding of yourself. Remember, kindness begins with yourself.

How can you incorporate these into your life with some easy steps?

1. Writing down what you want to achieve and making to-do lists gives a clear picture of what needs to be done to reach your goals.

2. Cut down on screen time, at least 1-2 hours before bedtime and create a sleep schedule.

3. Exercising need not be 1 whole hour at the gym, it can also be a 30-minute walk, a short run or some stretching on those busy days.

4. Eating healthy doesn't need to cost you extra time and money. It can be a conscious choice to eat natural food; including fruits, veggies and protein in your meals and avoiding processed foods.

5. Get in touch with yourself with meditation and mindfulness.

Simple habits to make you happier.

Incorporating a healthy lifestyle does not take too much effort, it's about making small changes and making conscious choices that benefit not only your physical health but also your mental health. By prioritizing your health, you are sure to strengthen your relationships, find fulfilment and transform your way of living.

While we are on this, have you read our recent blog on self-care?

The Power Of 'Me Time'

THE POWER OF ‘ME TIME’

How carving out some time for yourself can improve your health and happiness

In our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time for ourselves. Constant demands from work, family and our social circle can be overwhelming, but just a few minutes for ourselves each day can do wonders for our mental and physical health. 

Here are some of the benefits of “Me Time” - 

1. Better focus and productivity - Taking a moment to relax and clear the mind helps improve focus and efficiency.

2. Relieves stress and anxiety - Self-care helps lower cortisol levels and improves overall mood.

3. Improved sleep - Destressing can help us fall asleep more easily, get a good night's sleep, and enhance energy levels, leading to a better quality of life.

4. Strengthen relationships - Fostering better relationships with others starts with having a good relationship with yourself. Learning self-love can help us be better parents, partners, friends and family members.

5. Sparks creativity - Being by yourself, without distractions helps the creative juices flow.

Benefits of ‘Me-Time’

How much time do we actually need to give ourselves?

Studies have proven that even 10 minutes daily can work magic for your well-being. If you can afford to give yourself more time, then why not? But, for all you busy bees out there, start by giving yourselves 10 minutes daily and see your life transform.

If you are struggling to find time for yourself, here are a few tips - 

1. Schedule and pre-plan your “me time”.

2. Do something you enjoy and look forward to.

3. Set clear boundaries with your loved ones.

4. Cut down on screen time. 

5. Make it a habit- e.g. mid-morning break, lunchtime or after work.

While we are on this, have you read our recent blog on self-care?

Self Care- The Key To A Kinder World

We live in a world that constantly demands us to be more perfect, more successful, and more productive. A stay-at-home parent is bombarded with conflicting messages to go out and financially contribute to the family while a working parent is told to contribute more to their child’s upbringing. This relentless pressure to be more and do more can take a toll on our physical and mental health.

What if being kind to ourselves sets off a chain reaction, inspiring us to be kinder towards those around us?

While bubble baths and manicures may be enjoyable, they are not the only way to practice self-care.

1. Carve out some time for yourself daily - Music, dance or long baths, whatever it may be, take some time out for yourself every day to do things you love.

2. Prioritize a healthy lifestyle - Eating healthy, being physically active and getting quality sleep are the key to a balanced life.

3. Practice mindfulness - Cultivate awareness in the present moment with meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and other practices.

4. Be grateful - Appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Keep a gratitude journal and notice the change in your mindset.

5. Engage in hobbies - Dedicate some time each week to pursue interests that bring you joy and fulfill your life.

6. Spend time with family and friends - We all need human connection, to love and be loved. Spending quality time with people who support and understand us is an integral part of self-care.

7. Practice self-compassion - Treat yourself the way you would treat others. Often, we tend to be overly critical and demanding of ourselves. Instead, let's be gentle and mindful of our inner voice.

8. Set clear boundaries - Be it in our personal life or professional life, we all struggle to set boundaries and say no. Learning to say no to things you don't have the bandwidth for, can protect your mental peace and energy.

9. Nature bathing - Spending time in nature away from your gadgets can go a long way in recharging your mental space.

10. Pamper yourself - Everybody deserves to treat themselves to things they love, every now and then. Take yourself shopping, get that massage you have been wanting, take yourself out to dinners, and do things that make you feel special.

We all have an array of responsibilities we have to tend to on a daily basis, and more often than not these responsibilities take priority over self-care. As a new mother myself, I quickly learned that self-care is essential for being a better parent and spouse. It helped me embrace myself, destress, effectively manage my emotions and be more present with my family. Self-care is not a luxury, but rather an investment in your happiness and health, it is an act of kindness towards yourself!

In a world that constantly tells you you are not enough, be resilient and say “I am more than enough”!

Do you have any self-care rituals you swear by? Please share with us in our comments section. Follow our socials and website to know more about Be Kind Movement programmes and campaigns.

Kind Parents Raise Kind Children

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 -

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Practice empathy - Encourage your children to listen and validate others’ emotions while learning to respect and understand different perspectives.

4. Teach acceptance - We live in a diverse society and teaching our kids to accept each others’ differences can foster friendships and inclusivity.

5. 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.

6. 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.