Did you know November 13^th is World Kindness Day? It’s a holiday celebrated across the globe as schools, businesses and individuals alike join together to promote and share the kindue of kindness in society. When we think of kindness, we often immediately think of what we can do for others, which is a huge component of World Kindess Day. (See this list of “kindness ideas” from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.) However, I challenge you to consider today as a reason to reflect on how you can be kinder to yourself.

As a mother and wife running two businesses, I know all too well how hard it can be to take the time and effort needed to show myself the kindness I know I deserve. But when I take time out of my day for me, I find that the kindness I show myself is contagious. And I’m not the only one who has noticed this! Research shows that being compassionate to yourself can decrease risk of depression, anxiety and stress and increase feelings of self-worth. When you feel happy and worthy of kindness, it’s much easier to spread that kindness to others. Self-compassion isn’t being self-absorbed, it’s simply showing yourself the same understanding and courtesy you would show a friend.

So today, be sure to be kind to others, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself! To start, check out this video from Kristin Neff, Ph.D., lecturer and author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself.