6 Ways to Be Kind to Your Mind
Why does it seem like we are so quick to lift others up but so quick to bring ourselves down? It’s easier to give a compliment than to take a compliment, applaud others’ accomplishments than share our own. No one is harder on you than yourself, yet no one can love you more than yourself too. With everything going on in the world right now, it’s more important than ever to make the conscious choice to treat your mind with the infinite kindness it deserves — every single day. Although that seems like a tall order to fill, we’ve compiled a few ways that have helped us be more compassionate towards ourselves. Regardless if you’re following one of the tips below or creating your own, be proud of yourself for taking the first step and joining us on this journey to Be Kind to Your Mind.
- Dedicate time for yourself & the things that bring you joy
In this fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to become caught up in a seemingly never-ending cycle of day-to-day responsibilities. Yet with each passing day flying by faster than the last, it’s all the more important to carve out time for yourself and the people, places, and activities that bring you joy on a daily basis. Whether it’s a five-minute post-work call to a loved one or a five-hour Saturday trip to the beach, make it a habit to shift from a “go, go, go” mindset to a “slow, slow, slow” one at least once a day to do more things that spark cheer in your everyday life.
2. Don’t be afraid to say “no”
Even if it’s easier to say “yes” than it is to say “no” in the moment, future you may beg to differ. While you might think you avoided disappointing someone by agreeing to take more on your plate than you wanted, you’ll only be hurting yourself — and potentially that relationship — in the long-run. Recognize your limits and create intentional boundaries in both your personal and professional life to give your time and energy the respect it deserves
3. Practice meditation, mindfulness, and other self-care techniques
Meditation seems to be the buzzword of the decade, but all the hype is for good reason. Practicing meditation on a daily basis helps you achieve momentary states of peace that can carry forward in how you react to stressful situations later on. From deep breathing exercises and guided podcast meditations to yoga classes and outdoor walks, the options are endless. Find the method that works best for you and try to stay consistent. Sometimes the key to unlocking all your conflicting inner feelings or releasing pent-up negative energy is dedicating those rare moments of stillness to mindful reflection.
4. Take a break from social media
This modern-day culture of 24/7 technology can be overwhelming, to say the least, so give your overstimulated mind a much-needed break by committing to a complete social media detox. You may be surprised at just how much happier and freer you feel without the constant temptation of mindless scrolling — and the incessant time wasting and life comparing that comes along with it. If and when you rejoin social media, set strict time restrictions and only fill your feed with content that makes you care. Even turning off your notifications or logging out of your accounts after each use are simple extra steps that can go a long way in stopping you from constantly checking your phone and giving you space to actually live in the present without capturing it for your followers.
5. Learn to love your insecurities
Take a few minutes right now to say three things you love about yourself and three things you’re insecure about. Plot twist: These things should be the same. Our insecurities only exist because we feel we don’t measure up to nonexistent ideals of perfection. There is no single definition of normality, beauty, or prosperity and the sooner we recognize the standards perpetuated in the media are not only inaccurate but also impossible representations of reality, the better. Embrace your individuality. Acknowledge your “imperfections”. Be honest with yourself about why you’re self-conscious and every time you look at or think about any of those traits afterwards, choose to see at least one positive aspect in them instead. This rewiring of perspective will lead to contentment which will eventually grow into love and from that, comes a more confident, more real sense of self.
6. Ask for & accept help when you need it
When you’re feeling low, it’s understandable if you need a bit of alone time. But, there’s a difference between isolation and alienation. Take the space you need but don’t forget you have a whole community of friends, family, and mental health professionals ready to support you with outstretched hands whenever you’re ready. Being vulnerable can be scary, but just like anything else in life, the more you practice, the easier it gets. Normalize asking for help from your loved ones and accepting it when they offer because a mountain climbed alone is tougher than one climbed together. And you’re never alone, but always loved.
Written by: Karina Sharma
“Be Kind to Your Mind” is the first cause under The Lumiere Co.’s four-part Be Kind series, a social impact initiative dedicated to making the world a kinder place. A percentage of profits from our Be Kind product lines will be donated to related non-profit organizations that share a similar vision of compassion.
In collaboration with The Minds Foundation, 20% of profits from our Be Kind to your Mind pieces will go towards supporting their mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness through education, training, and providing access to cost-effective, high-quality care.
Check this space for part two of our Be Kind series, coming soon!
Karina Sharma is a Dubai-based writer on a mission to make the world a kinder place — one story at a time. Her passion for discovering the undiscovered and sharing people’s journeys inevitably led her to a degree in journalism. With a portfolio ranging across Vogue Arabia and Condé Nast Traveller Middle East to National Geographic and Modern Luxury DC, Sharma can often be found scribbling away in her little red notebook about travel, culture, and social justice. Now, Sharma hopes to bridge her experience of storytelling with her desire to build a socially responsible society by becoming a voice for positive change.
