SElf-Kindness Helps Healing
When you think of Valentine’s Day, you probably think of flowers, gifts, and other kind gestures for loved ones. But what about showing love to yourself?
Self-kindness is an often overlooked, but important, way to build resilience for life’s challenges. And when it comes to mental health and recovery, a habit of self-kindness can be a powerful part of your healing journey. The “month of love” is a great reminder to share the love with yourself, too. Here’s how:
How Can You Practice Self-Kindness?
We all have tough days. Self-kindness is all about giving yourself the grace to cope with daily hurdles and difficult situations as they come up.
Practicing self-kindness can be as simple as repeating affirmations to yourself, such as:
- “I’m doing my best.”
- “It’s okay to ask for help.”
- “I am enough.”
Self-kindness might also look like:
- Checking in with yourself and how you’re feeling
- Resting or sleeping in
- Setting firm boundaries and saying “no” instead of “yes” to everything
- Reaching out for support when you need it
- Celebrating how far you’ve come
Healing isn’t easy. Many times, we’re much harder on ourselves than we are on others. Practicing self-kindness is a reminder that you deserve the same level of love and care you extend to others, every single day.
Remember: Asking for Help is Strong, Not Weak
Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and self-care is not a replacement for professional support. But a mindset rooted in self-love and kindness can help you recognize when you need help beyond what you can give yourself.
If you’re facing anxiety, depression, stress, or any other mental health concern, the Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties is your starting point for help and hope. We’re here to connect you to local, trusted resources to help you navigate your healing or recovery journey with compassion and understanding, never judgment.
If you or someone you care about needs help, start here:
- Call (877) 695-6333 to get connected to local resources and support
- In a crisis? Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7
From treatment and recovery to prevention and education, we can be a starting point for you.
