Top 3 kindness tips

Top 3 kindness tips

As we approach this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to consider how you can be kind to yourself as well as kind to others. Being kind to ourselves and others can have a positive effect on our mental health, which is definitely needed at the moment.

The past year has been tough for everyone and as we gradually begin to emerge through the other side, we need to maintain a focus on kindness and wellbeing.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” - Oscar Wilde

We’ve put together our top 3 kindness tips:

Be kind to yourself

How hard do you find it to prioritise yourself? Difficult it may be, but it’s essential you make the time and put in the effort to be kind to yourself. Focus on eating well, getting a good night’s sleep, grab some fresh air and exercise regularly. If you do this, you’ll find it easier to stay strong during those tough times, both for yourself and others.

You may be finding you have a very busy mind right now and struggle to create those little moments of calm. Try to take time every day to do something that will help calm your thoughts, no matter how busy you may be teaching or studying. Everyone finds different things calming, whether it’s meditation, reading, listening to a podcast, gardening or yoga; be sure to set aside some time to do it and embrace the benefits you feel.

Be kind to others

We all realise that giving help and support to others feels good. It can help us feel more connected and less isolated or lonely. You’ll also find that the more you do for others, the more you do for yourself in regard to strengthening your relationships and feeling great about what you’re able to achieve.

Research shows that demonstrating kindness really can help people to put things into perspective and feel more positive. Focus on the things you’re grateful for and your acts of kindness, and it’s likely you’ll feel happier and more optimistic.

Talk, listen, share

Take the time to connect with friends, colleagues and peers to talk, listen and share your worries. It’s absolutely ok to feel worried, anxious or sad; and you’ll likely find that other people are feeling the same way – you’re not alone! It will help to focus on the things you can control, remove focus from those things which are out of your control; then you should see your worries and anxiety reduce.

If you’d like to know more about Mental Health Awareness week, or find out how you can get involved, take a look here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week