Practice Self-Kindness for Better Mental Health
By Brandi Goodman
You can quickly fall into a depression when you're putting yourself down regularly, taking on too much, being constantly exposed to bad news, and having your time filled with things that don't suit your mental well-being. Practice self-kindness for better mental health. You will feel a lot better after you make a few changes to the way you talk to yourself and the things you fill your time with.
Give Yourself Positive Affirmations
Stop the negative talk. Every time you look in the mirror you need to tell yourself you're worth it. Remind yourself you're beautiful just the way you are. This is you. It's how you were made. Be proud. There's only one you in the world and you need to remind yourself of how great that is. Giving yourself positive affirmations daily can help you truly start to believe it.
Say No
You don't have to attend every single event you're invited to -- nor do you have to agree to any tasks someone asks of you. It's OK to say no. In fact, it's beneficial to your mental wellness to say no. Never take on more than you can handle and tell people no when you don't have the mental capacity or energy to take on the task.
Cut Down Your To-Do List
Your to-do list may seem to be ever-growing. Stop the growth. Cut down your to-do list so you aren't swamped with so many things to accomplish. You can add things later once you get a handle on what you already have. You don't want to fill your time with so many errands that you never have time to sit, decompress, and have some alone time to unwind.
Delete Apps
Certain apps can harm our mental health. When you realize you're spending too much on Instagram, for example, maybe deleting the app for a while would be beneficial. It gives you time away from social media and lets you focus on what's important. Maybe you order delivery way too much. Get rid of your food and delivery apps for a while so you can start cooking healthier foods more or even walk to pick-up your meal instead.
Limit Your Exposure to Bad News
Constantly being exposed to bad news can drain your mental health. You'll start to feel as though the world is nothing but a bad place and wonder what the point to it all is. Limit your exposure to bad news. Get rid of news sites on your bookmarked pages or on social media. Stop watching the news on TV. Staying away from all of the negative in the world for a while can help you to see the good in it again.
There's lots you can do to be more kind to yourself. Constantly surrounding yourself with negative both in the world, on social media, and in your own thoughts can drain your energy and harm your well-being. Practice self-kindness and your mental health will be all the better for it.
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