Being kind to yourself and others

View this as a web page

Hello,

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is ‘kindness’.

Big or small, no act of kindness is ever wasted; from smiles between strangers to supporting your neighbours, kindness is something that keeps the world going round. By choosing to be kind, not only do we improve the happiness and wellbeing of others, we also help ourselves.

A recent study by the Mental Health Foundation has found that as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of UK adults think we should learn to be more kind as a society, The study also shows that acts of kindness can help us all to feel happier and experience greater wellbeing.

This week we’re going to look at the importance of kindness, how we can be kind to others and why we should be kind to ourselves. Share your stories of Kindness with us on our Facebook and Twitter page.

Ways to be kind during coronavirus

As well as releasing feel-good hormones and easing anxiety, a small act of kindness can lift someone's mood and make them feel valued. If the coronavirus has shown us one thing, it's that we can be kind. Your kindness comes in the form of toys waving from windows and fitness workouts in the street. Here are some more ideas to spread kindness in your life.

The act of mindfulness

Mindfulness is a way to take back control of feelings and emotions in your life. It can help us focus on the ‘now’ rather than being distracted by the past or the future. Here are some simple ways to practice mindfulness in your daily life.

Audio guides for a healthy mind

We all have a voice inside our heads, and it’s not always a helpful one. It might be calling us a failure or saying that we should be a better friend. You wouldn’t talk to someone else like this, so why do it to yourself? Reframing unhelpful thoughts is just one of the insightful audio guides from Dr Chris Williams of the NHS. Find a quiet space and learn how to be kind and supportive to yourself.

Mental health support in Kirklees

Everyone has difficult moments in their life, especially right now when we may be separated from our family and friends or have uncertainty around jobs and money. It’s easy to be self critical at these times, but it’s important to be supportive and kind to ourselves, as we would be to others. In Kirklees there are services available to support you and your mental health, no matter what you’re going through.

As a small act of kindness, remind everyone you know that this Monday (25 May) is a Bank Holiday. That’s right, one more day of freedom…

Stay well and be kind.                   

Your friends at Kirklees Council.