Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? Self compassion can help.
When we practice self compassion, we treat ourselves with the same kindness, care and understanding that we would offer to a close friend in times of suffering or difficulty.
Self compassion consists of three main components:
Self-kindness: Being gentle and understanding toward ourselves, instead of harshly self-critical. Instead of berating ourselves for our mistakes or shortcomings, we offer ourselves comfort and support.
Common humanity: Suffering and challenges are a normal part of the human experience. Instead of feeling isolated in our struggles, self-compassion reminds us that everyone faces challenges and setbacks at some point in their lives. We are not alone.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness allows us to observe our feelings and thoughts without judgment, gain perspective and feel less emotionally reactive.
This all sounds great. But how does self compassion reduce anxiety and depression?
Self-compassion helps us become less self-critical, which is a common feature of anxiety and depression. When we stop being so hard on ourselves, we engage in less negative self talk and rumination.
Self-compassion encourages a healthier way of dealing with our difficult emotions. Instead of suppressing or avoiding them, we learn to acknowledge and accept all of our feelings. This skill is crucial for managing anxiety and depression because it helps prevent emotional bottling and promotes emotional resilience.
It reduces feelings of isolation. Believing that our struggles are unique and isolating can increase feelings of depression and anxiety. Self-compassion reminds us that suffering is a shared human experience, reducing feelings of loneliness and shame.
Self-compassion helps us create a more stable and positive sense of self-worth. When we make a habit of recognizing our intrinsic value and treating ourselves kindly, we are less likely to experience the low self-esteem that can contribute to depression and anxiety.
It promotes better coping strategies. When we practice self-compassion, we are more likely to seek constructive solutions to our problems rather than engaging in self-destructive behaviors or avoiding issues altogether.
Want some help? Luckily, we’ve got a fun and inspiring opportunity right around the corner to help you discover ways to treat yourself with more self compassion.
