If you are starting to think about being kinder to yourself, here we offer some suggestions to support you.
1. Let go
If something annoys or angers you, allow a part of your brain to know that the annoyance or anger will pass. And quickly. Holding on can let you harbour unkind thoughts towards yourself or others.
2. Practise loving-kindness meditation
This is suggested by Mental Health Awareness Week, and it involves “directing unconditional kind attitudes towards yourself and others”. It is said to increase wellbeing and lower stress levels.
3. Be grateful
Show gratitude when people are kind to you. Also take a moment to count your own blessings and be grateful for what you have and who you are.
4. Be more forgiving
You’re not going to get everything right all the time. Instead of telling yourself off when something goes wrong, try having compassion for yourself as a human being.
5. Prioritise self-care
Put yourself first and make sure you’re looking after yourself. Do things to soothe you when you feel stressed. Make sure you move/exercise where you can, and stay connected with loved ones.
6. Review your social media
Do you find that you compare yourself unfavourably with others on social media? And feel bad about yourself when you do this? Ask yourself how you’re really benefiting from looking at other people’s pics that have filtered and Photoshopped? Much of the social media world isn’t real. Note how you feel – and remember you always have the choice to unfollow.
7. Stay active
One of the most effective ways of being kinder to your body is to stay active. You don’t have to run a triathlon to achieve wellbeing. There are loads of ways you can stay fitter and healthier. Why not try one of our fitness & relaxation courses at City Lit? And then treat yourself to some pampering as well!
8. Speak nicely to yourself
If you find you call yourself ‘fat’ or ‘lazy’ or ‘stupid’ then this won’t help with your body image. Try to catch yourself next time you do it and substitute a nasty word for a kinder word. Would you allow a friend to speak to you that way? No. So imagine what a kind friend would say to you instead.
9. Talk to someone
If you have concerns about your body image – or unhealthy behaviours related to your feelings about your body – then you don’t need to suffer alone. Talk to someone. The City Lit Counselling Service offers counselling to support students on courses at City Lit, and they can also signpost you to specialist support if you need it. You can reach the counselling service on 020 7492 2539. The Samaritans (call 116 123) are available 24 hours a day if you need to speak to someone quickly. And mental health charity Mind (call 0300 123 3393) will be able to let you know of support services in your area.
If you feel you would like further support for your mental health and wellbeing while doing a course at City Lit then get in touch with the City Lit Counselling Service by emailing counselling.service@citylit.ac.uk, or calling/texting 07900 138882. Counselling sessions are available online and via phone while the college is closed.
Health & Wellbeing Courses at City Lit
You can now study in the comfort of your home with our online courses. Explore the mind, body & soul on one of our energy & relaxation classes or fitness classes. We now run online yoga classes, Pilates classes, counselling courses and much more...
