Being compassionate is a positive quality to have. Having compassion means that you show concern for others, especially in difficult situations or following an upsetting event. Showing compassion can involve small acts of kindness, like being a shoulder to cry on for a friend. It can also include a significant amount of commitment, such as volunteering after a natural disaster. But what about self-compassion?

Compassion is just as important to practice internally as it is for practicing toward others. While it’s often recommended for people with mental health conditions, self-compassion can play a significant role in anyone’s mental well-being.

Read on to learn what it means to practice self-compassion. We’ll also discuss the benefits of self-compassion in your everyday life.

The meaning of self-compassion

It can be so easy to think negatively about yourself. You might have negative thoughts about your own abilities if you make a mistake at work. Perhaps you’re comparing your own strength to others while working out at the gym. Practicing self-compassion can break those negative thought cycles.

Self-compassion essentially means being kind to yourself, even when you think you’ve made a mistake or you’re having constant struggles. It’s about shutting down your inner critic and being understanding of your own abilities.

Self-compassion consists of three aspects:

• Self-kindness — It’s important to consider your own needs and be understanding of your capabilities and emotions, even during difficult times.
• Common humanity — Also referred to as connectedness, common humanity means acknowledging your own abilities as a human and remembering that no one is perfect.
• Mindfulness — Be aware of your stresses and struggles at a certain time without judging your emotions or thoughts that they are causing.

Examples of self-compassion include:

• Practicing positive self-talk during a difficult issue
• Accepting limitations when faced with an intimidating issue
• Challenging negative thought patterns
• Avoid overthinking or analyzing mistakes

The importance of self-compassion

By practicing self-compassion in your everyday life, you can have a positive impact on nearly all aspects of your mental and emotional well-being. It can be a key ingredient for working toward a fulfilling future with a good sense of self.

Here are a few of the benefits of practicing self-compassion:

• Increasing confidence — When you’re able to be kind to yourself in tough situations, you can recognize what you’re truly capable of. You can boost your confidence in yourself and feel motivated to keep improving the skills you need to navigate difficult circumstances and work toward your goals.
• Establishing a strong self of self — Your sense of self refers to having a perception of who you are. It can include personality traits, values and moral code. It also means that you have an understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, which is important for self-compassion. Having a strong sense of self helps you trust yourself and be proud of your identity.
• Improving work-life balance — It’s not always easy to have a good work-life balance. You may have rapid deadlines or time-consuming projects. However, a work-life balance can play an essential role in your mental health. Self-compassion helps you to set boundaries with your time at work. You’re able to understand that you deserve to enjoy everything that life has to offer beyond your job.
• Building healthy relationships — Self-compassion impacts not only your relationship with yourself, but also your relationships with your loved ones. It helps you set and stand by your boundaries and voice your needs that you feel are being impacted by others. It also gives you the insight needed to accept the imperfections of others.
• Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression — Improved mental health is one of the main benefits of practicing self-compassion. It can help to reduce feelings of overwhelming anxiety and depression by improving your emotional regulation, being aware of your own negative thought patterns, and reducing feelings of guilt or shame.

Lightfully Behavioral Health can help you learn how to practice self-compassion

Once you stop being your own worst critic, you can have a significant improvement in your mental health, motivation and personal relationships. When it comes to attending psychotherapy, improving your self-compassion is one of the main skills that you’re likely to work on.

If you’re trying to alleviate your mental health condition symptoms by developing self-compassion, and you need more intensive support beyond regular outpatient psychotherapy sessions, Lightfully can help.

Our levels of care include Residential Treatment (RTC), Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP), Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program. We treat your whole person, not just your mental health conditions. Because you’re more than your diagnosis.

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.