Hi, Aerie Fam! We’re catching up with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, our OFFLINE by Aerie wellness expert, and what we want to know is — have you been kind to yourself lately? In speaking to Melissa, we find out a few ways to be kind to yourself despite all that may be going on around you. Read more below.
Kindness towards yourself vs. kindness towards other – how do they differ?
There is no one size fits all for kindness, it can show up in different ways for different people. There is so much focus on being kind to others (which is always important), but I have personally found I have to check myself that in being kind to others you’re not sacrificing being kind to yourself. Internally projecting kindness to yourself isn’t always easy, but it’s vital you take care of yourself in order to best take care of others.
It’s vital you take care of yourself in order to best take care of others.
What are some self-care exercises that center around kindness?
My whole business (Melissa Wood Health, @melissawoodhealth) started because of an act of kindness. The MWH Method was created because after years of not being kind to myself, I saw an immediate impact when I completely flipped the script and finally listened to my own mind and body. Taking care of myself in this way was life changing. I decided to share my meditations and workouts because I knew if I felt this way, others could too. Building the MWH community brings me so much happiness because I am able to help people all over the world find that time and love for themselves.
Do you have any recent examples of kindness, whether in her own community or in a global capacity, that others can be inspired by?
I always stress that consistency is key. Do something for yourself every day. You can do this through movement, meditation, being mindful about everything you’re putting in your body including your food, your thoughts, and the people and energy you surround yourself with. Being kind to yourself is not just about your self-care practices, it’s about everything you’re taking in.
Being kind to yourself is not just about your self-care practices, it’s about everything you’re taking in.
What are small ways to show kindness in each day?
I am a big believer that some minutes are better than no minutes when it comes to acts of kindness (for both yourself and others). Truth be told, the small acts are the ones that can really make such an impact…like holding the door for someone, paying for someone’s coffee, picking up lunch for people in your life, giving someone a compliment, and even the simple act of asking someone how their day is.
Today, Melissa is sharing kindness with the Aerie fam through a special meditation. Slow down and breathe as you follow along in the video, then share the ways that you are being kind to yourself in the comments below!