Learning to Be Kinder to Yourself

It is easy to be your own worst critic. Maybe you forgot to turn in an assignment, said something awkward in a conversation, or looked in the mirror and did not like what you saw. Suddenly, your mind starts going in circles. Why did I do that? Why am I like this? What is wrong with me?

That voice in your head can be really harsh, and over time, it wears you down. But here is something that a lot of people do not hear enough: you deserve kindness from yourself, just as much as you deserve it from others.

Being kind to yourself does not mean pretending everything is perfect. It means noticing when you are struggling and responding with care instead of criticism. It means saying to yourself, I am doing the best I can right now, even when things are messy.

Here are a few ways to practice self-kindness:

• Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend. If a friend made a mistake, would you call them names or tell them they are a failure? Probably not. You would remind them that they are human and it is okay to mess up sometimes.

• Catch negative thoughts and challenge them. If you hear yourself thinking, I always mess everything up, ask yourself, is that actually true? What would someone who cares about me say?

• Celebrate small steps. Got out of bed when it was hard? Sent an email you were nervous about? Took a break when you needed one? Those are real wins. They matter.

Being kind to yourself helps you build resilience, reduce anxiety, and start to feel a little safer inside your own mind. It is not always easy, but it is worth practicing. You are allowed to show up for yourself in the same way you would for someone you love.