Day 20: Self-Compassion: How to Be Kind to Yourself
Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well. This post is part of the 25 Days of Gratitude, Self-Care, and Personal Growth event at 7 Cups.
Self-compassion is not selfish; it is essential for your well-being.
I understand that some days can be hard. You had a bad day, you are feeling sick, you feel like you are not good enough, you are failing and making mistakes. What do you tell yourself when you experience a situation like this?
Do you indulge in negative thoughts? Or practice self-compassion and kindness?
Different research conducted on this, reveals that the deliberate practice of self-compassion can alleviate anxiety, stress, and intrusive thoughts. Self-compassion plays a pivotal role in coping with stress.
However, it is easier said than done when you are struggling and feeling low. Instead, many of us become our worst critics, and it becomes a constant loop. But somewhere, you have to get started to break this cycle.
Here are some exercises that you may try to practice self-compassion deliberately:
Exercise #1. Self-Compassionate Letter
It is a powerful tool to practice self-kindness and understanding. It involves writing a letter to yourself, offering empathy and support, just as you would to a good friend. You can practice it as per your comfort either daily or weekly. Here is how you can do this:
- Write a letter to yourself as if you were a dear friend.
- Acknowledge your struggles and difficulties with kindness and understanding.
- Offer words of encouragement, support, and reassurance.
- Read the letter aloud to yourself, allowing the words to sink in.
Exercise #2. Self-Compassion Break
Whenever you feel stressed, take a moment to practice a self-compassion break and you may feel more confident and composed. Here is how you can practice it:
- When you notice you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a short break.
- Find a quiet place and sit comfortably.
- Take some comfortable deep breaths.
- Repeat a self-compassionate phrase, such as
- "This is a difficult moment, but I can handle it.",
- “It is okay to be not okay.”,
- “I believe in myself. I got this.”
- “I will get through this moment.”
Exercise #3. Gratitude Practice
Practicing gratitude regularly improves your mental health, strengthens your relationships, and increases your overall happiness. Here is how you can get started:
- Take a moment each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. It doesn’t need to be big ones. All small ones count too.
- This could be anything from your health to your relationships to simple pleasures.
- Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help boost your self-esteem and overall well-being.
- Never force yourself to be grateful. If you are struggling, share your challenges and what you are learning from them.
Questions for you
- How do you practice self-compassion?
- What is a barrier/ challenge that prevents you from practicing self-compassion?
1. I practice self compassion by writing positive affirmations in my journal. I also practice positive self talk. I also like to write things I a grateful for.
2. A barrier that prevents me from practicing self compassion is giving in to distractions and temptations. When I find out that I was distracted, I end up feeling bad for my actions.
@Admirablerainbow2825 I am glad you already incorporated such positive practices into your daily routine. Indeed, distractions can be a real challenge and easy to get side tracked. But please do know it is okay as you are human and we all experiencee distractions.
Great post! I try to take it easy and not pressure myself. I try to advocate for myself and that im sick. If they don't understand, i understand that i need to handle myself carefully. Sometimes it's really hard to even feed myself. My biggest barrier is my family - they don't understand, they abandon me after pressing me into codependency, they hurt me, mom has an addiction, dad has a new family, my sister doesn't want to talk to me, grandparents get mad when i show symptoms and don't understand, i can't put boundaries. I'm not afraid to ask for help but people want to take advantage of me
@intellectualGrapefruit6085 Navigating those challenges can be tough, grape. But you are trying and know you have all of us here to support you. you are not alone in this.
Thank you. I feel so lost and alone
I always have negative thoughts about myself about myself but when you have very few people to talk to and most of their comments are usually how everything is your fault because if what you did or didn't do its hard to think of other things.
@skyraven02 I am sorry to hear that raven, you are going through a really tough time. Please know you are not solely responsible for everything and we all make mistakes. We believe in you and here to support you. please be kind and gentle to yourself.
@ASilentObserver
Well today. I have advised x2 friends on eating getting some great food to cook or a favorite food to buy and pleasure their senses!
Sometimes meditate n yogap
Sometimes nature
Other times a good old fashioned shop!
We have abundance and many ways available to us remembering this is soothing too 💓💕
@joyfulUs2825 I am glad you had a lovely day. What else brings you joy and helps you feel grounded?
@ASilentObserver
Thanks 👍🏼
Exercise.
@ASilentObserver remembering it until the day it’s my last I die