Be Kind to Yourself as a Learner

Learning Spanish can be filled with lots of joyous moments and accomplishments. When we start to feel frustrated, it can be hard to be kind to ourselves. Every so often, everyone can fall into a slump and feel like they aren’t making the progress they want. What’s important is to remind yourself that you’re doing your best, and put together a plan to get back on track.

Burnout happens to everyone

It’s true- even the most motivated students will feel burnout. It can sneak up on you over time and feel like huge rush of exhaustion. In these hard times, you likely won’t want to do anything new out of fear that you won’t do it well. In the back of your mind, it’s common to feel like you’re the only person that’s ever felt this way, and it must be something you’re doing wrong!

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The important thing to remember is that this is actually a universal experience. People every day feel burnt out and need a moment to remember why they started studying or working toward a certain goal in the first place.

How to be kind to yourself

There are lots of different ways to show kindness to yourself when you’re starting to feel frustrated with your progress or burnt out. Here are a few examples of things you can do when you need a little self-love:

• Make a list of things you’re grateful for. It’ll help you focus on the good things in your life, and it provides as an opportunity to reflect on the positive things in your life.
• Spend some time doing another hobby that makes you feel good. Do something that you always do well and that makes you smile.
• Talk kindly to yourself. This might sound silly, but talking to yourself in the mirror can actually help boost positivity.
• Practice self-care. Do something that makes you feel good physically. Do a face mask, go for a walk, or whatever else makes you feel pampered.
• Do a random act of kindness. Sometimes, doing something nice for someone else makes you feel good too.