10 Ways To Be Kind To Yourself Today (And Every Day)

Photo of three fitness instructors sitting cross-legged on the ground with their eyes closed performing meditation in an indoor fitness studio.

Happy World Kindness Day, Badgers! World Kindness Day is a holiday that celebrates the power of kindness and the profound impact that compassion and generosity can have on the lives of others. But spreading kindness isn’t just about doing good deeds — it’s about treating yourself with kindness, too! Here are 10 ways you can show yourself some well-deserved love.

  1. Carve out some time to pursue your interests
    With a busy college schedule, it can be hard to find time to pursue your passions and hobbies. But carving out time for yourself to do something that you love is a great way to relieve stress and add some joy to your day! Whether you’re into running, drawing, reading, or biking, take 10 minutes out of your day to simply pursue what you love to do.
  2. Move your body
    Even if you spend just 30 minutes being physically active, your body will reward you for it! Physical activity releases endorphins, and can improve your mood tremendously. Being kind to yourself includes being kind to your body, and physical activity is a great way to make your body feel revamped and recharged. Physical activity could mean trying one of our Group Fitness classes, or, it can simply mean walking to class instead of riding the bus. However you choose to add physical activity to your day, it’s a great way to show yourself some love.
  3. Acknowledge your accomplishments
    Treating yourself with kindness includes acknowledging your accomplishments and being proud of yourself. Did you study hard for your last exam! Awesome! Did you make healthy meal choices today? Excellent! Taking the time to recognize the great things that you do for yourself and others can go a long way for your mental health. Acknowledge your accomplishments, both large and small, to show yourself some kindness today. 
  4. Treat yourself!
    In the wise words of Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle from Parks and Recreation: Treat Yo’ Self! Treating yourself can mean buying that pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on, or it can be as simple as indulging in your favorite flavor of ice cream for dessert. Take advantage of World Kindness Day and treat yourself however you wish; just know that you absolutely deserve it. 
  5. Get some sleep
    There’s no doubt that you’ve been working hard, both in and out of the classroom, to accomplish your goals. But it’s equally as important to let your mind and body recover. Choosing to go to bed at a reasonable hour and getting 8 hours of sleep each night is a great way to show yourself some kindness and ensure that you wake up well-rested and refreshed. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later. 
  6. Pamper yourself
    Today is the day when you’re allowed to treat yourself like royalty. Take an extra-long shower or bubble bath, put on a facemask, do your nails—whatever it takes to pamper yourself! Not only will your body feel rejuvenated, but pampering yourself will give you time to clear your mind and focus on what’s important—you!  
  7. Practice self-affirmations
    Self-affirmations are positive statements that can help you overcome challenging and self-sabotaging thoughts. When you repeat them often, you can reorient your brain to make positive changes in your thinking! Saying things like “I believe in myself,” “I am worthy of love,” and “I am confident in who I am,” will immediately boost your mood and remind you that you are capable of anything you set your mind to. You can say these affirmations out loud, or post them on a sticky note somewhere that you’ll see them often to be reminded of your worth. 
  8. Nourish your body and brain
    Treating your body with kindness means fueling it with healthy and nutritious foods that will help you feel active and alert throughout the day. Choose nutritious meal options today to prioritize your health and show your body some kindness. Not only will your body receive all of the nutrients it needs to perform its daily functions, but you’ll also feel more awake and energized when you fuel your body right. 
  9. Unplug from online stress
    Sometimes, we don’t even realize the impact that the Internet and social media can have on our mental health and wellbeing. In order to show yourself some kindness today, take 5-10 minutes to unplug from online stress. Taking a break from social media can help you refocus your thoughts and appreciate each moment of your day as you’re living it.  
  10. Invest in yourself
    Whether you’re looking to accomplish a specific task or master a new talent, today is the day to invest in yourself! This could mean signing up for one of our ice skating, tennis, or swim lessons to learn a new skill. Or, this could be joining a class to master a language, software, or skill that will help you in your future career. Whatever it is you want to accomplish, just know that you can achieve your goals if you take the time to invest in yourself. Why not start today?