We are all of our own worst critics, which can lead us to talk down to ourselves, judge our bodies, judge our mistakes more harshly, and feel down about our rough days. Self-compassion is an important part of having quality mental health and living a happy life. It can be difficult to unlearn these unhealthy patterns and believe that we are good enough, but doing so will help you to have a better human experience and feel your best. In this blog, we will look at what self-compassion is and how you can practice better self-compassion.
What Is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness, gentleness, and compassion. Speaking to yourself with caring words and seeing your actions with an understanding attitude will help you see your shortcomings and mistakes as a normal part of life. Self-compassion involves considering all your experiences as necessary to your development and the human experience. Being present with your feelings, understanding complex emotions, and still being non-judgmental to yourself is all part of self-compassion.
Write A Letter To Yourself
If you are struggling to think of positive things to say to yourself or struggle to speak them out loud, try writing a letter to yourself or journaling some affirmations. Writing a letter to yourself doesn’t mean you have to ignore other feelings or struggles, but writing down all of your thoughts will help you acknowledge them and turn toward acceptance. Set aside time to look deep within yourself and think about all the good qualities you possess.
Listen To Guided Meditations
Instead of relying on yourself to think of positive affirmations or ways to practice self-compassion, try guided meditation apps or videos. Many meditations include a focus on mindfulness and self-reflection, which can be linked to better mental health and self-compassion. These meditations will help you focus on the present moment, maintain perspective, and balance your emotions. Listening to these guided options can be helpful when you are just getting started, until you can avoid wandering thoughts on your own.
Regain The Perspective Of Common Humanity
While looking inwards is beneficial for self-compassion, looking outside yourself can help remind us that we are connected to others, the earth, and other creatures around us. Common humanity, which is the bigger picture of all of our lives, can be hard to picture. Choosing not to tie our happiness to outside influences and reaching out to others, even in our struggles, will help us gain a new perspective on common humanity. Many of our negative thoughts come from thoughts on how others perceive us. All humans feel similar emotions and have similar struggles, so you are never alone in feeling discouraged.
Spend Time With Others Who Lift You Up
The people you surround yourself with can directly affect your mental health and how you perceive yourself. If you want to be more self-compassionate, you should surround yourself with people who complement you, encourage you, and push you to be your best self. It is easier to see the good qualities about yourself when family, friends, or co-workers are able to remind you. Good quality friends who support you can also help encourage self-compassion and hold you accountable.
Take Care Of Your Physical Body
When we don’t feel good about ourselves, it can be hard to follow self-compassion practices. If your physical health is lacking, try focusing on movement, healthy eating, or a refreshed exercise routine to boost your confidence. Optimal physical health is directly correlated to mental health, so if your emotions have taken a dip, it may be connected to your physical habits. While self-compassion can be practiced at any stage of your life, feeling more energized and healthy can help make the process a little easier.
Treat Yourself How You Would Treat A Friend
The way we speak to ourselves is never how we would speak to a friend. Using harsh language or putting someone down is not the way to be a friend, so we should try to apply this same concept to ourselves. If you want to increase self-compassion, try talking to yourself and checking in with yourself like you would one of your friends. Tell yourself you are proud of them, celebrate the small victories, and use kind language when speaking or thinking about yourself.
Counseling From Red Willow
Our counselors and specialists are committed to providing compassionate care and non-judgmental therapy to help improve your life. Our services can help improve your quality of life, boost your mood, or help you have a more successful future. Red Willow Counseling and Recovery offers help for substance abuse, mental health therapy, outpatient programs, help with grief, or support for LGBTQ+ patients. We can help you find a well-balanced life through skilled therapy and compassion. Let us help you with our proven methods and caring staff. Schedule an appointment by calling today!
