Being kind to yourself isn’t just a nice idea — it can make healthy habits easier to maintain over time. Research shows that people who respond to themselves with encouragement and understanding are often more likely to make sustainable changes than people who rely on harsh self-criticism.

Changing habits takes time, and there will naturally be days that feel harder than others. Being supportive towards yourself during those moments can help you keep going. Here are some simple things you can try.

1. Talk to yourself as you would talk to a loved one

Many of us find it easier to encourage other people than ourselves.

If a friend was trying to improve their liver health and change some long-standing habits, how would you speak to them? You’d probably encourage them, remind them that change takes time and focus on the progress they were making.

Try speaking to yourself in that same supportive way.

2. Acknowledge this is hard

We talk about the simple steps to improving your liver, but just because they’re simple doesn’t mean they’re easy.

Changing long-standing habits can make you feel uncomfortable and frustrated. This is normal, it’s not something that’s wrong with you.

Expect to experience cravings, frustration and slow progress. When things feel difficult, try reminding yourself that this is part of the process, not a sign that you’re failing.

3. Aim for better, not perfect

Trying to be perfect often makes change harder to maintain long-term.

What your liver needs most is small, consistent change over time. No one expects you to follow every recipe or exercise recommendation perfectly every day. Even small adjustments can have important benefits for your liver health.

If things don’t go to plan one day, try treating yourself with understanding rather than blame, then focus on getting back into your routine the next day.

4. Build self-support

This might include:

• keeping healthy foods easy to access
• planning meals ahead of time
• building movement into your day
• asking friends or family for support
• joining a support group or online community

Support also includes the way you speak to yourself. Instead of criticising yourself when things don’t go to plan, try thinking about what made the situation difficult and what might help next time.

5. Look after yourself physically

Looking after your physical health can also support your mental wellbeing and make healthy habits feel easier to maintain.

Movement can help reduce stress, improve mood and support liver health. Even gentle movement like walking around the house, stretching regularly or spending less time sitting can make a difference.

Sleep is important too. Feeling tired can make it harder to plan meals, manage cravings and stay motivated. Small habits like going to bed a little earlier, reducing caffeine later in the day and creating a comfortable sleep environment may help improve sleep quality over time.

6. Boost your mental health and wellbeing

Good mental wellbeing can help build resilience and make lifestyle changes feel more manageable.

Different things work for different people. Think about the activities, routines or people that help you feel calmer, happier or more connected. This could be spending time with friends, being in nature, listening to music, having a bath or spending time with a pet.

If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, here are some tools that will help:

• Mindfulness helps manage stress. See Beyond Blue for how to practise mindfulness
• If you’re anxious and overwhelmed, box breathing (also called square breathing) or another grounding technique can help. See Lifeline for how.
• Relaxation exercises help restore a sense of calm. There are many things you can try, from muscle relaxation exercises to yoga or Tai Chi. See Beyond Blue for how.

• Seek support from a health professional if needed

Small acts of self-care and self-kindness can make a meaningful difference over time.

back to plan for success Next in the Series: Build a Support System