Why Self-Compassion Is Key to Improving Your Mental Health

Are you hard on yourself? Have you noticed feeling drained, inadequate and self-critical? If yes — you need self-compassion!

Self-compassion is the act of treating oneself with kindness, care, and understanding instead of criticism, judgement, and self-blame. It comprises three main components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.

• Self-kindness refers to being gentle and understanding with oneself when facing difficulties.
• Common humanity emphasizes the idea that suffering and imperfection are a normal part of the human experience.
• Mindfulness involves being aware of one’s thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them.

There are numerous benefits of practicing self-compassion. Research has shown that it can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, increase resilience, boost self-esteem, and improve overall well-being. Self-compassion can also enhance relationships, increase motivation, and promote personal growth.

Self-compassion is more reliable and consistent than self-esteem, which is evaluative, and is related to how well you are doing in a certain area. Self-esteem is highest when we are thriving, and tanks when we aren’t doing well. So, when we need to feel confident, empowered and positive — our self-esteem disappears! Where self-esteem is evaluative, self-compassion is a way of relating to ourselves and being our own best friend.

One of the main benefits of self-compassion is that it fosters a sense of inner peace and acceptance. By treating yourself with kindness and understanding, you can reduce your self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy. This can lead to an increased sense of self-worth, confidence, improved mental health, resilience and overall well-being.

Self-compassion is a powerful tool that can improve overall well-being and mental health. By practicing self-kindness, recognizing our common humanity, and being mindful of our thoughts and emotions, we can cultivate a deeper sense of self-acceptance, resilience, and inner peace.

Written by: Dr. Essence Rivers