Be kind to yourself

We can be pretty hard to ourselves at work. A lot is expected of us, and measuring up to expectations puts pressure on us to perform. We want to be seen as competent and capable - and then we have to live up to our own aspirations. Tight timetables, complex challenges, risky decisions, and much more can keep us going at a pace that is just asking too much. "Be kind to yourself" suggests that we lighten up a bit, that we slow down and treat ourselves decently.

The basics of being kind to yourself is simply "having a cup of tea." We can do so quite literally - taking a break and enjoying a cup of tea, savoring the flavors and aroma, perhaps with a cookie or a cracker and cheese. We slow down, and give ourselves an open moment where we can appreciate the world around us with no agenda. Whether it's a tea break, a stroll at the local park, or a moment at the water cooler, being kind to ourselves at its most basic level invites us to deliberately step away from the pace of work and enjoy the simple pleasures of being alive.

Source: Michael Carroll

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