Need ways to be kind to yourself? We’ve got 25!

Explore these 25 suggestions and prioritize kindness toward yourself every day.

1. Compliment yourself. Be genuine about your qualities and accomplishments (you have many).
2. Prioritize self-care. It’s a must, not a luxury.
3. Practice mindfulness. Be present for yourself and others.
4. Forgive yourself. Even when things don’t go your way, learn from it, accept it and move on.
5. Schedule breaks in your day. Catch your breath, pause and be in the moment.
6. Ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a sign of self-awareness and inner strength.
7. Find a mantra. A calming message can energize, inspire and motivate you.
8. Accept mistakes. They will happen—by you and others. Have tolerance, patience and grace.
9. Seek or create community. Find others with similar interests, values or ambitions.
10. Find your passion. Commit to doing something that fulfills you with curiosity and purpose.
11. Keep a gratitude journal. Record anything that you appreciate and gives you joy.
12. Move your body every day, even in short bursts. Identify enjoyable and easily accessible activities.
13. Eat healthy snacks and meals. Focus on rainbow-colored foods from the perimeter of the store.
14. Get enough rest. Kindness begins with honoring your need for sleep.
15. Reflect on the good: Meditate and focus on the positives like loved ones, nature or hobbies.
16. Try new things. Novelty engages the mind, enhances feelings of well-being and reduces stress.
17. Don’t compare yourself to others. Move your own way!
18. Embrace imperfection; celebrate your unique quirks.
19. Treat yourself like a friend. Offer yourself the same compassion and understanding as a loved one.
20. Practice saying no. Set boundaries to protect your time and energy and don’t feel guilty about it.
21. Treat yourself. Small gifts can brighten your day, like a sweet treat, or a few minutes soaking up sunlight.
22. Be kind to others. The benefit of kindness goes both ways.

Caregivers:

For those caring for a loved one with dementia, you deserve kindness too.

23. Recognize caregiving is hard. All you can do is your best each day, just as you are already doing.
24. Change your expectations. Things may be different now, and accepting that will help relieve stress and make your time spent with your loved one much more meaningful.
25. Keep or find social connections. Finding ways to stay socially connected to family, friends and interests will help you recharge and keep you going.