Be Nicer to Yourself

You’re probably a nice person. You probably help family, neighbors, co-workers. But are you as nice to yourself?

Sounds a little silly, but you might be surprised at how compassionate we are to others, never thinking about being that way toward ourselves.

Dr. Tara Brach calls it radical self compassion. In other words, being as nice to ourselves as we are to others.

This is so important given what we are all going through now with social distancing and understandable fears about COVID-19 and what it means now and in the future.

Here are some possible ways to be nice to yourself:

• Get the rest you need. When we’re stressed, we can feel exhausted. Naps or short rest periods in the afternoons can be helpful to you and your children. If you’re working at home, take a lunch break, or time to push away from your desk, stand up and walk around periodically.
• Remind yourself that this situation won’t last.
• Exercise. Nothing fancy. Just a stroll outside if the weather cooperates.
• If there’s no reason not to, have a small treat.
• If someone in your household – or you – are irritable forgive them…and yourself.
• Make a therapy appointment if you need a little extra support.

Dr. Beth A. Davis, Psy.D.