How to be kind to yourself and others

8,040 views ・ 2020-12-16

Learn English with Cambridge


Please double-click on the English subtitles below to play the video.

00:09
Hello, everybody.
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Being kind is vital
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in making the world a better place for all of us,
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as even the smallest act
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of kindness can increase a person’s happiness.
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This has been never more true than in 2020 when a lot
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of us are being isolated,
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and even small things can make a big difference to people.
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But first, don’t forget
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that being kind starts with being kind to yourself.
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Look after your own physical and mental wellbeing,
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and then you’ll also treat other people better.
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And being kind to those people means
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that they are more likely,
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in turn, to be kind to someone else.
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And the best thing is,
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when you’re kind to someone else,
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it actually increases your own happiness as well.
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So, kindness spreads kindness.
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Quite simply, you can’t have too much of it.
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And to help you with spreading some kindness,
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today’s video is full of ideas on how to be kind
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to both yourself and to others,
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whilst using English at the same time.
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A perfect combination.
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Before I start, as ever,
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if you’re new to the channel, please subscribe.
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That way, you’ll never miss out on any of our great videos.
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But anyway, back
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to the most important message of the day, being kind.
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How can we do this?
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Here’s some ideas.
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Number one, doing exercise.
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A personal favourite of mine,
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be kind to yourself by getting fit.
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Devise a simple training plan,
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which you could write in English.
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However, start small, and build yourself up.
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You don’t have to run a marathon straightaway,
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or if you need some inspiration and guidance,
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watch English-speaking fitness YouTubers online.
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Whatever way you do it,
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doing exercise will make you feel so much
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more positive about yourself.
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Number two, thank someone.
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Every week, write a note
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or short letter thanking someone different.
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It’ll make both you and the recipient happy
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and remind you of
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how lucky you are to have these people in your life.
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And you could do this in English to get some writing practice
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at the same time.
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I personally really, really like this idea,
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and it’s actually something I’m going to start
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doing after Christmas.
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So, let’s do it together.
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Number three, leave a positive comment on a post.
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How often do we see posts that we like on social media?
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Every day.
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And how often do we leave a positive comment
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on those posts?
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Probably a lot less, maybe never.
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So, next time you like something,
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leave a positive comment for the author.
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Your little comment will show your gratitude
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for all of the hard work that the author has put in,
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keeping them motivated and inspired.
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Comment in English,
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and if the author responds, keep the conversation going
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and the kindness flowing.
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Number four, set 30-day mini challenges for yourself.
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Setting 30-day mini challenges
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that are good for your wellbeing will improve
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your happiness no end.
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This could include going for a short walk every day,
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or going to bed 15 minutes earlier.
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Remember to make them realistic, but also to challenge yourself,
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because this will make you so much more satisfied
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when you finally complete them.
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I’d also recommend getting
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into the habit of writing them down in English.
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And make sure you keep a record of completed goals,
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as it’s really,
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really good to look back on what you’ve done
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and remind yourself of what you’ve achieved.
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Number five, tutor someone.
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So, if you’re understanding this video,
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it’s probably quite likely
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that you have a pretty good level of English,
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yet there are many people out there
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who either struggle with English or are just starting to learn.
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This may be a neighbour’s
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daughter or an old friend of yours.
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So, why not reach out to them and offer to be their tutor?
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You can help them out as much as you’re able to.
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It doesn’t have to be every spare minute of your day,
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and your English doesn’t have to be perfect,
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nor does the situation have to be a formal one.
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Just taking some time to chat to them in English
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or helping them with vocabulary is more than enough.
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Whatever you do,
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you’ll certainly inspire them to improve their English
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and reinforce your English as well,
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and hopefully,
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they’ll do the same for somebody else in the future.
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So, five ways to be kind.
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So, there we go.
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Being kind costs nothing and is pretty easy.
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So, let’s spread as much kindness as possible.
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Remember, it’ll also make you feel better
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about yourself as well.
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We’d also love to hear your kindness ideas as well.
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So, please comment below with any ideas
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that you have or do to be kind.
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And so, that’s a wrap.
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As ever, thanks for stopping by.
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It’s been great to see you guys,
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and I’ll see you next year for more language fun.
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