Now that we’re all in this pandemic together and are spending our time at home, it is critical to be kind to yourself!
- Look at yourself. Are you happy and what is stopping you from being happy?
It’s important to be a realist. If you find yourself lying and saying “I’m fine, thanks” when someone asks if you’re okay, try to understand why you’re not. It may be something you can’t help or that will heal over time such as a break-up, death in your life or a bad situation. Rather than trying desperately to heal, try out the little things that make you happy. If you have good memories with a particular walk you go on, do that. Cook some indulgent meals etc. Don’t force healing, just be kind to yourself.
- Try and cut out bad habits
If you have a bad habit such as smoking or drinking that you feel guilty about, try to slowly cut them out of your life. You would be surprised to learn that you don’t need these things. Some of us will also turn to food for comfort, but instead, try exercising. Picture why you’re doing it; be it for your family, friends or partner. Think of how proud they will be and do not be afraid to ask for help. If your friend is smoking in front of you, politely ask them if they mind not smoking around you. You are stronger than you know!
- Body Positivity
Low self-esteem can hugely affect you. Many of us comment on how nice it would be to not have the cellulite, weight issue, hair loss, stretch marks etc. Find out what you’re self-conscious about and surround yourself with positivity. Unfollow influencers that make you feel self-conscious; you’ll soon find that most of them are airbrushed and face tuned anyway. If you are going to consume media that pertains to body image, look to body positivity blogs. Start looking at what you love about yourself and extenuate what you like. E.g. if you love your shoulders, wear more cold shoulder tops. Maybe even test yourself to go out of your comfort zone. If you are self-conscious about your legs, wear a skirt for a day and see how you feel. You might surprise yourself!
- Look at who you spend your time with.
It’s completely natural to inherit the traits of those close to you. But look carefully at those traits and decide if they are what you want and if you’re distancing yourself from you necessarily be ones you want! Some people can be toxic, this does not excuse family either! If you feel drained around a person, if they make you walk away feeling down or self-conscious, it is not being selfish to distance yourself. Surround yourself with people who make you happy. Watch yourself when you leave a social event, phone call or message to monitor your mood.
Children can also struggle to get to know themselves. Be it a phase they’re going through or just finding things out about themselves. Social media can play a big influence in this.
We recently published The Answer in Your Heart by Janev Tatar. A book that follows the loving and illuminating conversation between a wise man and a kid. A warm story that encourages the readers in their journey of self-discovery.
Check it out, here! https://olympiapublishers.com/books/the-answer-in-your-heart
