Self-kindness affirmations

written by Rachel Smith the founder of Give Yourself Kindness, who has worked with clinical psychologists, therapists and leading self-compassion experts from around the world to bring you the best tools to support self-compassion - helping you feel and sleep better.

Looking for ways to be kinder to yourself? You're not alone. Many of us struggle with harsh self-talk, thinking it's what keeps us motivated and productive.

But research shows something different – being kind to ourselves actually makes us stronger, not weaker.

According to Dr. Chris Irons, a leading researcher in Compassion Focused Therapy, the fear that self-kindness equals weakness is one of the most common misconceptions. In reality, treating ourselves with kindness takes courage and builds resilience.

Let's explore some gentle yet powerful self-kindness affirmations to start using and supporting yourself with today.

What are self-kindness affirmations?

Self-kindness affirmations aren't about forcing positivity or pretending everything's perfect. They're gentle reminders that help reshape how we talk to ourselves – like creating a good friend on your shoulder who knows exactly what to say when you're being too hard on yourself.

Think of them as small stepping stones toward a kinder relationship with yourself. Simple words that feel true and helpful.

15 self-kindness affirmations to try

For when you notice your inner critic

• I can't be perfect and I don't need to be
• Just because I have a thought, doesn't mean it's true
• I can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism
• I choose to give myself the same kindness I would give to a friend
• My worth is not dependent on what I have done today

For giving yourself permission

• I am deserving of love, compassion and kindness, exactly as I am
• I can welcome time to rest
• I can ask for help and know that this is not a weakness, but a strength
• I am always worthy of respect
• My voice matters. My opinions matter. I matter

For embracing imperfection

• I release the pressure to make the perfect decision - a perfect decision doesn't exist
• I can change my mind and know that that is okay
• I recognise that sometimes the only way forward is to use trial and error
• I forgive myself for what I did when I was learning
• I can do anything, but not everything

Making affirmations work for you

Start small. Choose one or two affirmations that resonate with you and build them into natural moments of your day. Try:

• Reading them in the morning while having coffee
• Keeping them on your phone's lock screen
• Saying them during your commute
• Writing them in a journal

Remember: It's normal if these feel strange at first. Like any new skill, self-kindness takes practice.

Learn more simple ways to use affirmations here.

A gentle way forward

Being kind to yourself isn't a destination – it's an ongoing practice. Start with the affirmations that feel most natural to you, and gradually explore others as you become more comfortable.

'Being kind to yourself isn't a destination – it's an ongoing practice'

Need more support on your self-kindness journey? Our therapist backed affirmation cards offer gentle reminders that you can carry with you, making it easier to build self-kindness into your daily life.