Self-compassion is the support you give to yourself when you’re going through difficulties.
Research shows that having self-compassion leads to better mental health and wellness. It cultivates self-esteem and builds your resilience. Unfortunately, the world is suffering from a lack of self-compassion.
Here are some ways you can practice self-compassion today:
1. Self-compassion means being your best friend
“You’re already stuck with yourself for a lifetime. Why not improve this relationship?”
— Vironika Tugaleva
Do you kick your friends when they’re down and verbally abuse them for making mistakes? Hopefully, not! But, multitudes of people do this to the only person who has always been there—themselves.
Treat yourself like you would a best friend. As long as you live, you will never move away, die, or leave you. If you’re not friends with yourself, you’ll always feel alone—regardless of how many people are with you.
So, decide today to befriend yourself for life.
2. Give yourself the gift of self-acceptance
“We cannot change anything unless we accept it.”
— Carl Jung
Self-acceptance is knowing you have flaws but choosing to like yourself despite them. Your friends and family members all have imperfections, yet you love them just the same.
But some traits, you can’t change. The healthiest choice is to accept them. So, don’t dwell on the defects you can’t change. Don’t get upset or angry about having these features. You’ll be better off if you accept and even love them.
3. Take care of yourself
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
— Oscar Wilde
Self-compassion is all about taking care of yourself. Taking care of your needs is the key to mental health and well-being. Make it a habit to take great care of yourself, and you’ll feel more confident every day.
On the other hand, not caring for yourself will cause depression and feelings of unworthiness. Plus, you’ll have unhealthy relationships. The way you act to yourself correlates with how you let others treat you.
So, be aware of what you need to be happy about and schedule the time for it.
4. Get creative
Dive into a hobby that fills you with excitement and joy. Unleashing your creativity can be incredibly therapeutic. So, don’t hold yourself back from releasing creativity. Have some fun without fear or shame! You don’t have to make a flawless masterpiece. You need to realize that you deserve to have a fantastic time and enjoy life.
Furthermore, it’ll help you release stress instead of taking it out on loved ones or yourself.
5. Self-compassion means you forgive yourself for your mistakes
“You are capable of so much more than we usually dare to imagine.”
— Sharon Salzberg
Mistakes are a part of being human. So, don’t be shocked, hurt, or embarrassed when you make a mistake. It’s not the end of the world; it’s normal! Sorry, nobody cares if you fail or mess up, they’re too busy worrying about themselves.
Making mistakes doesn’t mean you’re incompetent or horrible. You’re always worthy of happiness and love. So, accept the fact that no one is perfect and life isn’t either. But, you still have the power to enhance your experience as much as you choose!
6. Have self-compassion by being mindful of your thoughts
“You are what you think. All that you are, arises from your thoughts. With your thoughts, you make your world.” — Buddha
Your thoughts and words are more powerful than you might think. Therefore, don’t ever say or think that you’re a loser, an idiot, or a terrible person. You’ll eventually believe it, and then you’ll live your life accordingly! Thoughts will change your actions, and actions change your life for the better, or worse.
Most pessimistic thoughts are voices from the past, and you’re allowing them in your present. But, you aren’t who you were back then, so choose to let that go.
Luckily, you’re in control of how you treat yourself. So, use this power for your benefit. Uplift yourself with your thoughts and words. Say and think about what you want, so they can become true.
Are you marinating in things that depress you? Examine your friends, relatives, TV shows, magazines, or even music.
Treat negativity like a home intruder and get rid of them! But, welcome positivity always.
Fill your mind with activities that fill you with joy. Try meditation; it will teach you to allow thoughts to pass without grabbing hold of them.
7. Be compassionate to others
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” — Dalai Lama
When you bond with other people, you’ll find that they have struggles too. You aren’t alone! Knowing this can help you to feel better.
All humans suffer at times. Even though some of them appear to be perfect, in reality, they’re just experts at hiding their issues and flaws. Furthermore, that’s a sign of insecurity.
So, you never know what’s going on under the surface. We’re all stumbling on our paths of existence together. No one sails through life without worries or pain. Everyone should have more self-compassion.
Be kind to all people. Besides, being compassionate to others will help you do the same for yourself.
In the end, everyone benefits from more self-compassion. Besides, we can’t break up with ourselves, so we might as well be inseparable, best friends!
Be the person who’ll always be there to encourage you through the inevitable hard times.
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How will you practice self-compassion today?
Sheryl,
Wow. Another impressive, inspiring and thoughtful post. Right on time. I am working on a few creative endeavors. Your words motivate me to keep going.
I especially appreciate and embrace this part… ” Unleashing your creativity can be incredibly therapeutic. So, don’t hold yourself back from releasing creativity.”
So true. Thank You!
Best,
Trent
Thank you so much, Trent!