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November 13 is World Kindness Day and it's a powerful reminder of how important it is to be kind. Whether it’s a smile, a compliment, or a random act of kindness, small gestures can have a big impact—not just on others but also on ourselves. Yes, being kind to yourself is just as important, even when your brain tries to talk you out of it. Sometimes we’re the hardest on ourselves, which is why learning to treat yourself with compassion is a key part of living a more balanced and happy life. In honor of World Kindness Day, here are 10 ways to be kind to others and yourself every single day:
Give Genuine Compliments
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashLet’s be real: who doesn’t love a compliment? It’s such an easy way to brighten someone’s day, and it doesn’t cost you a thing. Whether you’re complimenting a friend’s new outfit, a co-worker’s hard work, or even a stranger’s smile, a genuine compliment can leave a lasting positive impression. When you compliment someone, make it specific. Instead of just saying “you’re awesome,” say something like “I really admire how you handled that situation.” It feels more sincere and meaningful.
Practice Active Listening
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashIn our busy lives, it’s easy to get distracted, but one of the best ways to show kindness is by being fully present with someone when they’re talking to you. Active listening means really tuning in—putting your phone down, making eye contact, and responding thoughtfully. Sometimes, people just want to feel heard, and giving someone your undivided attention is one of the kindest things you can do.
Random Acts of Kindness
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashYou’ve heard the saying, “it’s the little things,” right? That’s especially true when it comes to random acts of kindness. These can be anything from buying coffee for the person behind you in line to leaving a kind note on a co-worker’s desk. Small gestures like these have a ripple effect—they might inspire others to pass it on, spreading kindness far and wide. It can be anything from leaving a positive review on a small business and paying for someone’s coffee to donating to a cause or dropping off some baked goods for your neighbor.
Practice Self-Compassion
Photo by Divaris Shirichena on UnsplashNow let’s talk about something that’s just as important: being kind to yourself. How many times have you been hard on yourself for making a mistake or not meeting your own expectations? We all do it, but self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend. Instead of beating yourself up, try talking to yourself with patience and understanding. When you catch yourself in negative self-talk, pause and ask, “Would I say this to my best friend?” If the answer is no, it’s time to change the way you’re speaking to yourself.
Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
Photo by Raychan on UnsplashSelf-kindness also means taking care of your body and mind. Make sure you’re giving yourself the time and space to rest, recharge, and do things that make you feel good. Whether it’s setting aside time for a hobby, taking a mental health day, or just going for a walk, self-care is a vital part of kindness. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup—taking care of yourself helps you show up as the best version of you for others, too.
Forgive (Even When It’s Hard)
Photo by Vonecia Carswell on UnsplashLet’s be honest: forgiveness can be tough, but holding onto anger or resentment only hurts you in the long run. Being kind to yourself and others sometimes means letting go. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing bad behavior—it’s about freeing yourself from negative emotions so you can move forward. Plus, practicing forgiveness strengthens relationships and helps create more peace in your life. Start small! If there’s something you’ve been holding onto, take a moment to reflect on whether it’s time to let go. It doesn’t have to be immediate, but just acknowledging the need for forgiveness is a step in the right direction.
Set Boundaries
Photo by Emma Simpson on UnsplashIt might sound counterintuitive, but setting boundaries is a form of kindness, both to yourself and others. Boundaries help protect your time, energy, and mental well-being. It’s okay to say no when you need to, and it’s okay to prioritize your own needs without feeling guilty. By setting healthy boundaries, you avoid burnout and build stronger, more respectful relationships with those around you.
Help Someone in Need
Photo by Manuel González Asturias, SJ on UnsplashWhether it’s donating to a charity, volunteering your time, or simply helping someone with their groceries, acts of service are one of the most impactful ways to spread kindness. Helping others isn’t just good for them—it also feels good for you. Studies have shown that giving back can boost your mood and overall sense of well-being. Consider volunteering at a local shelter or food bank, donating clothes or other things to charity, or even just helping a struggling friend or family member in any way you can.
Be Patient with Others
Photo by Zest Tea on UnsplashIn a world that moves fast, it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s waiting in a long line or dealing with a difficult situation at work, patience is an act of kindness that often goes unnoticed. When you choose patience, you give people the space to be human and make mistakes, just like you do. The next time you find yourself feeling annoyed, take a deep breath and remind yourself that a little extra patience can go a long way.
Celebrate Small Wins
Photo by OurWhisky Foundation on UnsplashIt’s easy to get caught up in what’s not going well, but celebrating small victories—both yours and others'—is a great way to spread positivity. Did a friend finish a big project? Did you finally make time for that workout you’ve been putting off? Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate those wins, no matter how small. If you’re celebrating someone else’s win, let them know you’re proud of them with a thoughtful message or gesture. It’s a small thing, but it’ll make them feel seen and appreciated.
It’s often the little things—the everyday moments of thoughtfulness, empathy, and generosity—that make the biggest impact. And don’t forget, being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others. Go ahead—spread some kindness today, and don’t forget to give yourself a little love too!
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Let’s face it—stress is a part of life. Whether it's deadlines at work, family drama, or just trying to keep up with everything, stress creeps in when we least expect it. The good news? You can always take a step back, breathe, and think about how you can manage that stress like a pro. You don’t need a weeklong retreat in the mountains to feel better (though, wouldn’t that be nice?). With a few practical tips, you can handle stress in your everyday life and actually feel more relaxed. Here are 10 stress management stress you can easily turn to on the day-to-day:
Deep Breathing Exercises
Photo by Darius Bashar on UnsplashOkay, I know what you’re thinking—deep breathing? Really? But trust us, it works. That’s why it’s always recommended as an effective stress and anxiety management strategy. Deep breathing is like hitting the “reset” button for your nervous system. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. Repeat this for about five minutes, and you’ll feel your heart rate slow down, your mind clear up, and stress start to melt away.
The best part? You can do this anywhere—at your desk, in the car, or even mid-conversation when you feel stress creeping in.
Take Breaks (Seriously)!
I know, I know—you’re too busy to take breaks, right? But here’s the thing: taking short breaks throughout your day can actually make you more productive and less stressed. We’re not built to focus for hours on end, no matter how much we would love that. Give yourself permission to step away from your work, stretch, grab a snack, or just walk around for five minutes. Mini breaks help reset your brain and keep burnout at bay.
Pro tip: set a timer to remind yourself to take a quick break every hour. Your brain will thank you!
Move Your Body to Get Rid of Built-Up Energy
Photo by Kari Shea on UnsplashWhen stress has you feeling like a bundle of nerves, sometimes the best solution is to move. Exercise is a fantastic way to release built-up tension, and it doesn’t have to be a hardcore workout. A brisk walk around the block, some gentle stretches, or a quick dance party in your living room (yes, that counts!) can do wonders for your stress levels.
Physical movement helps release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that naturally boost your mood and lower stress. So the next time you’re feeling frazzled, step away from your screen and move your body—your stress will loosen its grip.
Get Organized (but Don’t Overdo It)
Photo by Paico Oficial on UnsplashClutter in your space can equal clutter in your mind. If your desk, home, or schedule is chaotic, it can add to your stress without you even realizing it. Take a little time to get organized—whether that’s tidying up your workspace or jotting down a quick to-do list to keep things manageable.
The trick is to not stress about being organized. You don’t have to color-code your entire life. Just focus on simplifying things a little at a time. Even a five-minute tidy-up can make a huge difference in how calm and in control you feel.
Laughter Is Truly the Best Medicine
Photo by Lesly Juarez on UnsplashEver notice how much better you feel after a good laugh? That’s because laughter is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins and reduces the levels of cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) in your body. So, whether it’s watching a funny TikTok, catching up on your favorite comedy show, or just joking around with friends, make time for a little humor in your day.
And if you’re feeling particularly stressed, go ahead and watch some cute animal videos. Science says they help too!
Set Boundaries (Yes, You Can Say No)
Photo by Daniel Herron on UnsplashHere’s a game-changer: it’s okay to say no. Whether it’s taking on extra work, attending yet another event, or doing a favor that’s going to overwhelm you, setting boundaries is key to managing stress. Saying “no” when you’re stretched too thin isn’t selfish—it’s self-care.
If you’re a people-pleaser, this can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s essential for protecting your mental health. Practice saying no to small things first, and work your way up. Trust me, future you will be grateful.
Sleep: The Ultimate Stress Buster
Photo by Kinga Howard on UnsplashWe all know how cranky and stressed we get when we’re running on fumes. Sleep is your body’s natural way of recovering from stress and recharging your brain. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night (I know, easier said than done!) to help manage your stress levels.
If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try cutting back on screen time before bed, dimming the lights, and creating a bedtime routine that tells your brain it’s time to wind down. A cup of herbal tea, some light reading, or calming music can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest.
Mindfulness Can Be Magical
Photo by Amandine Lerbscher on UnsplashPracticing mindfulness doesn’t mean you have to sit cross-legged on a mountain and meditate for hours. It can be as simple as taking a few moments to be present in whatever you’re doing. Whether you’re eating, walking, or just sitting in silence, focusing on the moment can help you feel grounded and less frazzled.
Start small: take one minute a day to close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and let your thoughts pass without judgment. This can help bring you back to your center and reduce stress over time.
Stay Connected with Your People
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashWhen stress hits hard, don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to your support system—whether it’s friends, family, or even co-workers you trust. Sometimes just venting to someone who gets it can make all the difference. Human connection is one of the best remedies for stress, so don’t be afraid to lean on the people who care about you.
If you’re not feeling up to a heart-to-heart, even a quick text to check in with someone can make you feel less alone and give you some emotional support.
Give Yourself Some Grace!
Photo by Dingzeyu Li on UnsplashLast but definitely not least, remember to cut yourself some slack. We’re often our own worst critics, and that can add a huge amount of unnecessary stress. Life gets busy, things get overwhelming, and it’s okay to not have it all together all the time. Self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools for reducing stress. So, when things go wrong (because they will), try to be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can—and that’s more than enough.
Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine, you can manage stress better and actually feel more at ease. Remember, taking care of your stress is taking care of yourself!
You’re Staring at Screens Before Bed
Photo by Anastasia Nelen on UnsplashWe all love a good Netflix binge or scrolling through TikTok before bed, but the blue light from screens (phones, TVs, tablets) messes with your melatonin levels—the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. Blue light tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, so your body stays awake longer than it should. Try putting your phone down at least 30 minutes before bed (I know, it’s hard!). If you must be on your screen, switch on night mode or wear blue light-blocking glasses. It will make a difference!
Your Bedroom Isn’t a Sleep Sanctuary
Photo by Susan Q Yin on UnsplashYour environment plays a huge role in how well you sleep. If your room is cluttered and noisy, or the temperature isn’t right, it can mess with your ability to relax and sleep well. An uncomfortable mattress or pillow can also make you toss and turn all night. To fix this, you need to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary. Declutter, dim the lights, and keep the room cool—around 60–67°F is the sweet spot. Invest in a comfy mattress and pillow that support your sleeping style (side sleepers, we’re looking at you!). Adding a white noise machine or blackout curtains can help, too. Do whatever you need to do to make sure the environment in your bedroom supports your sleep.
You’re Eating or Drinking Too Late
Photo by Yoad Shejtman on UnsplashLate-night snacking might seem harmless, but eating heavy or spicy meals, or sweet treats, close to bedtime can cause indigestion, which keeps you up, or give you an energy spike at the wrong time. And drinking caffeine or alcohol before bed? That’s a big no-no. While alcohol might make you sleepy at first, it actually disrupts deep sleep later in the night. The solution is to eat dinner 2 to 3 hours before bed and avoid anything that’s too heavy, spicy, or fatty, but make sure it fills you up. In the evening, you can enjoy any kind of herbal tea or just drink water instead of going for sodas or anything else.
You’re Feeling Stressed or Anxious
Photo by Verena Yunita Yapi on UnsplashWe’ve all been there: lying in bed, wide awake, thinking about everything we have to do tomorrow (or cringe things that happened three years ago). Stress and anxiety can prevent your mind from winding down, making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. The best thing you can do to avoid this is to set up a calming bedtime routine for yourself. This will help your mind relax, so try meditating, journaling, or even deep breathing before bed to clear your head. Journaling is particularly helpful! If your thoughts are running wild, writing them down will help you process them instead of having them running laps on your mind. You’d be surprised at how effective it is.
You Have Inconsistent Sleep Habits
Photo by Jason Mitrione on UnsplashIf you’re going to bed at different times every night, your body’s internal clock (also known as your circadian rhythm) can get all out of whack. A lack of routine means your body doesn’t know when it’s supposed to feel sleepy, which can make it harder to fall asleep when you need to. So try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends. Yes, even when you’re tempted to sleep in! Sticking to a consistent schedule helps regulate your circadian rhythm so you’ll fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed.
You’re Napping Too Much
Photo by Adrian Swancar on UnsplashNaps are great, but too much daytime sleep can throw off your ability to sleep at night. If you’re catching Zs for more than 30 minutes or napping late in the afternoon, you’re likely confusing your body and making it harder to feel tired when bedtime rolls around. Keep your naps short and sweet—aim for 20–30 minutes tops, and try to nap before 3 p.m. That way, you’ll get the energy boost you need without disrupting your night’s sleep. If you feel super tired later in the day, resist the nap and power through so you can hit the pillow at night.
You’re Not Getting Enough Exercise
Photo by i yunmai on UnsplashFitness people are correct about this–exercise is one of the best natural sleep aids out there. It helps reduce stress, tire out your body, and improve your overall sleep quality. But if you’re not moving enough during the day, it can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. You should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and anything goes, even dancing or brisk walks. What matters is that you get your body moving and you should schedule this a few hours before bed. If you exercise too close to your bedtime, it will actually give you energy and make it difficult for you to wind down.
You’re Not Spending Enough Time in Natural Light
Photo by Sanju Pandita on UnsplashOur bodies rely on natural light to regulate sleep patterns. If you’re spending too much time indoors during the day, your body might not get the right signals to feel awake or sleepy at the right times, which can mess up your sleep schedule. So get out there and touch some grass! Try to get outside during the day—especially in the morning. Sunlight helps reinforce your body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier for you to feel sleepy when it’s time to hit the hay. Even 15–30 minutes of sunlight can make a difference.
You’re Overdoing It on the Caffeine
Photo by Drew Coffman on UnsplashWe all love our coffee, but having too much of it, especially late in the day, can be a major sleep disruptor. Caffeine stays in your system for up to 6 hours, and even if you don’t feel wired, it can affect your ability to get into a deep sleep. So try cutting back on caffeine, especially after 2 p.m. If you still need an afternoon pick-me-up, opt for herbal tea or water. Even decaf coffee can have trace amounts of caffeine, so watch out for that sneaky sleep disruptor.
Your Mind Associates Bed with Stress
Photo by Anthony Tran on UnsplashIf you’re one of those people who lies awake in bed worrying, your brain might start associating your bed with stress instead of sleep. This can create a vicious cycle where just getting into bed makes you anxious and wide awake. Use your bed for sleep and relaxation only—no working, no scrolling, no stressing. If you’re lying awake for more than 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy again. This helps retrain your brain to see your bed as a place for rest, not worry.
If you’ve been struggling to sleep, don’t stress—it happens to all of us! Now that you know some of the common reasons behind poor sleep, you can start making small changes to get back to the good night’s sleep you deserve.
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