Self Compassion
It’s a hugely important facet to our overall Health & Wellbeing. It’s currently been talked about a lot. But what is it? And, how can it help our Health & Wellbeing? I found this succinct definition:
“Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.”- Dr Kristin Neff
Dr Kristin Neff - a leading researcher on self-compassion, believes that another way to describe the three essential elements of self-compassion is loving, (self-kindness), connected (common humanity) presence (mindfulness).
“When we are in the mind state of loving, connected presence, our relationship to ourselves, others, and the world is transformed.'“ - Dr Kristin Neff
Why we can all do with more Self Compassion in our lives?
10 Benefits of Self-Compassion. Why it’s worth including in our busy lives:
Motivation
Happiness
Body image
Self-worth
Resilience
Reduced Anxiety, Depression & Stress
Optimism
Personal initiative
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Self-compassion has been proven to be more beneficial than Self-Esteem to our psychological Wellbeing according to Dr Neff, in comparison to self-esteem, self-compassion is associated with “greater emotional resilience, more accurate self-concepts, more caring relationship behaviour, as well as less narcissism and reactive anger.” Self-compassion is not based on self-evaluation or judgment in general. It involves an attitude of kindness and acceptance, and this includes towards ourselves.
3 Key elements of Self-compassion:
Self-kindness Vs Self-judgment
Mindfulness Vs Over-identification with thoughts
Common humanity Vs Isolation
Here are a few suggestions how to easily incorporate Self-compassion into our busy lives without feeling ‘Another thing I need to do every day!’
Comfort your body. Eat something healthy. Lie down and rest. Massage your own neck, feet, or hands. Take a walk. Anything you can do to improve how you feel physically gives you a dose of self-compassion.
Give yourself encouragement. Think of what you would say to a good friend if they were facing a difficult or stressful situation. Then, when you find yourself in this kind of situation, direct these compassionate responses toward yourself.
Practice mindfulness. Even a quick exercise, such as breath awareness or meditating for a few minutes, can be a great way to nurture and accept ourselves just as we are, especially if we’re feeling pain of any kind.
These self-compassion practices are a simple starting point. A way to start showing more compassion to yourself. Like a lot of things, it takes practice. A little bit today, helps towards building and creating a better and happier version of ourselves longer term.
If you’d like to learn more about self compassion, or need support with your Health & Wellbeing journey. Please use my contact form to get in touch.
Professionally trained and qualified to support people with their Life’s journey.
Helping you achieve success and fulfilment in all areas of your life. Best wishes always - Julie