Less Hustle, More Heart: A Self-Kindness Check-In

We have officially crossed the threshold from the new year energy of January into the reality of February. Usually, this is the time of year when the pressure to perform feels heavy. It’s like we always have to be “on” and we have to hit every milestone. But what if we traded that pressure for a little bit of breathing room? Lately, I realize that the most productive thing I can do is not always adding more to my plate. Sometimes it is just checking in on how I am treating myself while I carry it. It is about moving with a little more heart and a little less hurry.

If your brain feels crowded and your spirit feels a bit tired, here is how I am showing myself some kindness this month. I hope it encourages you to do the same.

Permission to Pivot

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is admit that a plan isn’t working. If a specific training schedule is adding more stress than strength to your life, give yourself permission to pivot. Swapping a high-intensity run for a long walk or a “maintenance mile” will keep up the momentum without the burnout.

Guard Your “Quiet”

As someone who spends a great deal of time in the digital world, the “noise” can be deafening. Setting a hard boundary on screen time works wonders. Showing yourself kindness might mean closing the laptop at 6:00 PM and letting the “open tabs” wait until morning. Pick up a book, work on a puzzle, or listen to music. Your peace is worth more than a cleared inbox.

Nourish the Basics

We spend so much time taking care of everyone else, that we sometimes forget our own basic needs. Do yourself a favor, and drink that extra glass of water, priortize an extra 30 minutes of sleep, or actually sit down to eat a meal instead of grabbing something on the go. It sounds simple, but it’s a profound way to respect your body.

Celebrate the “Small” Wins

We are often our own toughest critics. It’s easy to focus on the miles we didn’t run or the tasks we didn’t finish. Let’s flip the narrative. At the end of the day, list three things that went right. Maybe you hit your streak goal, maybe you had a great conversation, or maybe you just made a really good cup of coffee. Acknowledging the “good” is an act of self-compassion.

Connect with Your “Why”

Why do we run; why do we work; and why do we show up the way we do? Taking a moment to reconnect with the joy behind the habits is such a gift. If running has started to feel like a chore, find a way to make it play again by creating a motivating playlist, exploring a new route, or even grabbing a friend for a chatty mile. 

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s the fuel that allows us to keep going. I’d love to hear in the comments: What is one small way you’ve shown yourself kindness this week?

Join us next week —> Self-care check: Share something you LOVE about your active lifestyle?

Link Up With Tuesday Topics

Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!