What does it mean to be compassionate? Compassion is often encompassed through sympathy or kindness. We display compassion when we support our family and friends through challenging times. When we comfort our kids after they receive a bad grade or encounter a tough social interaction, we are being compassionate. We even offer our compassion to complete strangers; (1) volunteering in our community, (2) supporting charities, (3) providing encouragement on social media platforms. But let me ask you this, when was the last time you exercised compassion towards yourself? When was the last time you facilitated an act of kindness for you? If you are having to scratch your head and think about it, that means it has been too long since you practiced self-compassion. Most of us hold ourselves to a higher standard than anyone else and we are often critical and judgmental towards us. Or we are socialized to believe we must be superheroes who carry everything and feel nothing. I want to introduce the idea of creating space for grace and compassion as you uphold your standards or reshape social norms.

One of the best techniques I could learn, and practice is self-compassion. Life is already challenging enough to where you do not have to be your worst critic or a source of negativity. We can easily show someone else compassion and I want you to know you are worthy of the same care, compassion, and warmheartedness.

So how does one practice self-compassion?

1.     Be mindful of your language. There is power in your words. Be nice to yourself by using thoughtful, encouraging, supportive language. You can choose to implement affirmations into your daily or weekly routine. When you affirm yourself consistently, it becomes more natural, and you will be able to affirm yourself even in disappointing times.

2.     Challenge the notion of perfectionism. You can do this by recognizing and believing that you are a human who is not defined by flaws or failures. Instead, you are learning, growing, and are teachable. You can also re-evaluate any sources or systems, that support the pressure of being perfect, to be more suited for supporting self-compassion.

3.     Treat yourself like ____________ (insert the ideal way you want to be treated). You can treat yourself like a person, like royalty, like your favorite family member, like you treat your best friend or your kids by making time for you and saying yes to your needs. This could be anything from saying yes to a mental health day to saying no to alleviate overextending yourself mentally, emotionally, or physically. Your life is invaluable, treat it as such by caring for you.

 These steps are non-exhaustive, but it is a start towards practicing self-compassion. If you are feeling mentally drained or exhausted, consider a consultation with us to determine how we can help you to help replenish yourself and experience support as you continue to exercise self-compassion. Or perhaps you want to bring this conversation and more tips to your organization or company. Check out the Inspiration Page to learn more!