Start Off On The Right Foot

Beginning your day with a self-compassion practice will take you no time at all, and it will benefit you greatly for the rest of the day. The idea is that before you get out of bed, you will spend a minute or two being kind to yourself. This will help reduce self-criticism and improve your mood.

There are countless ways you can wake up with self-compassion. A few ideas are listed below, but feel free to get creative and do what works best for you.

Tip: Since this will be a new habit, it might help to put a sticky note on your alarm clock or smart phone to remind you to do this each day.

• If a pet sleeps in your bed, imagine you can feel their unconditional love entering every cell of your being.
• Place your hand over your heart and feel your breath rise and fall as you offer yourself kind and gentle words.
• As you imagine your day ahead, consider how you can support yourself during any foreseen difficult moments. Consider how you can take care of yourself before, during, and after any difficult meetings or tasks.
• Plan one kind thing you’re going to do for yourself later that day.
• Give yourself a shoulder or foot massage as you acknowledge your basic human goodness.