So, what does it mean to practice mindfulness and self-compassion? And what does it look like? There are numerous benefits of practicing mindfulness techniques and giving yourself compassion. Mindfulness and self-compassion can increase confidence, improve your work-life balance and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For more information on the benefits of these practices, click here. 

In today’s blog, we will look at five different ways you can incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion into your life. You can practice these techniques almost everywhere. At home, at work or even while walking from one place to another. 

1. Begin with breath awareness

The first strategy for implementing mindfulness into your day-to-day routine is to practice different breathing techniques. Try closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the sensation of your breath as your chest rises and falls. 

Practicing simple breathing exercises only takes a little bit of time. Mindful breathing gives you the power to center yourself anytime. You can focus on your breathing for only five minutes and still see the benefits. 

Mindful breathing can offer numerous stress-releasing benefits when incorporated into your routine frequently. This technique can also lower your blood pressure and support better sleep. 

2. Practice loving-kindness meditation

Implementing meditation into your daily routine is also a very beneficial practice that promotes awareness of the body and the breath. There is a specific type of meditation, called Loving-kindness meditation (LKM). This type of meditation says that you must practice loving-kindness to learn how to be compassionate to yourself and others.   

Studies have shown that practicing LKM can reduce self-criticism and enhance your well-being. Guided practice may reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, such as reducing negative thoughts. It also quiets your negative inner voice, which can promote self-acceptance. 

3. Set daily intentions and repeat positive affirmations

It can be very beneficial to set and practice positive self-compassion affirmations. By setting daily intentions, you’re allowing yourself to foster a gentle mindset for each new day. Some examples of self-compassionate affirmations you can say to yourself include: 

• “May I be happy.” 
• “May I be kind to myself.” 
• “May I be at peace.”
  

By practicing repeated positive self-talk, you can align your goals and visions for your life within your day-to-day routine. This practice can foster a positive mindset, promote resilience and encourage self-compassion. 

4. Develop a nonjudgmental attitude toward your thoughts

By understanding nonjudgmental awareness, you can allow yourself to observe your thoughts without labeling them as good, bad, right or wrong. This technique promotes an understanding of emotions without bringing attachment or shame with it. 

The next time you notice yourself having a judgmental or more negative thought, simply observe it and let it pass. Don’t pass judgment on yourself for having these thoughts. Another practice could be labeling your thoughts. You might practice saying “I’m having a thought that…”. Labeling your thoughts simply gives them the space to pass and does not give them the power to alter your mental well-being. 

Many benefits come from reducing judgment toward your thoughts. A nonjudgmental attitude can foster greater empathy and compassion for yourself and others. This practice can also strengthen your relationships with others. 

5. Take self-compassion breaks during stress

A self-compassion break is a quick practice that you can do to offer yourself kindness when you feel overwhelmed. If you’re struggling, take a minute and pause. Then, acknowledge what you’re feeling, whether it be anger, judgment or fear. Allow yourself to recognize that your feelings (both good and bad) are a part of the human experience. Instead, reframe your mindset by offering yourself kindness and compassion. 

One example of this is treating yourself as if you were your friend or a loved one. Imagine that your best friend came to you and was struggling with the very same thing that you are right now. What words of encouragement would you offer to them? How would you comfort them? Offer that same encouragement and comfort to yourself. You deserve it. 

How Lightfully’s vPHP can support your mindfulness and self-compassion 

Mindfulness and self-compassion are techniques that anyone can practice. The benefits that come from these practices can support you in your day-to-day life by reframing your thoughts to be kind to yourself. 

At Lightfully, our experts can help you implement mindfulness and self-compassion into your daily routine. Our compassionate and caring experts can help you learn more about the practice of mindfulness, self-compassion and the benefits that come from these practices. 

In a program like a Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP), you can further explore these practices and other tools that will support your mental health goals. Our experts incorporate these practices virtually to fit your specific schedule, needs and treatment goals. Everything we offer is grounded in clearly defined, evidence-based methods and tailored to each individual through a whole-person approach led by caring clinical professionals. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.