Self-Compassion is the
secret sauce to make lasting health changes.
Have you ever tried to make health changes that really didn’t stick
long-term?
Maybe you had willpower for a few months and then hit a wall and lost your
motivation.
Did you beat yourself up a little bit for falling off the wagon?
Well, let me introduce you to the secret sauce for lasting changes -- Self-Compassion!
Research shows that developing the skill of self-compassion will make your
health changes more successful. (Learn More: self-compassion.org/the-research/)
With more self-compassion you might be more likely to set BIG challenging
goals. It will be easier to take a risk and dream big.
You also might be more likely to respond kindly if you don’t succeed
at a goal. This may give the opportunity to learn and grow from setbacks
so that you can be more successful in the future!
Self-Compassion is defined by the researcher Dr. Kristin Neff and includes
Self-Kindness, Mindfulness, and Common Humanity.
Self-Compassion includes practicing Self-Kindness instead of Self-Judgement. Self-Kindness includes meeting daily needs with care. Letting go of self-judgment
includes noticing both strengths and weaknesses with curiosity, to allow
learning and growth.
Self-Compassion includes practicing Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be curious, neutral and aware in each moment.
Self-Compassion includes acknowledging Common Humanity instead of Isolation. Part of self-compassion is understanding that others experience similar
life experiences, and this is called common humanity.
Here are a few questions to think about your level of Self-Compassion.
Do you care for yourself as consistently as you care for family and friends?
When you make a mistake are you more likely to judge yourself or respond kindly?
When you are ready to make health changes; do you try to motivate yourself
with guilt and willpower, or are you motivated to care for your health
with kindness, care and compassion?
When your health changes don’t go the way you planned; do you feel
failure and self-pity or are you curious to learn, grow and try again?
3 Tips to Practice Self-Compassion:
- To practice Self-Kindness, imagine how you might treat a friend. If your
friend is struggling with a challenge in life, what might you say? How
might you comfort them? Can you offer the same words of kindness and comfort
to yourself?
- To practice Mindfulness, take 3 deep breaths. Look around your environment
and notice what catches your attention. Do your eyes notice a certain
color or do your ears notice a certain sound?
- To practice Common Humanity, remember lots of other people have probably
experienced a similar life experience or feeling to what you are experiencing.
Curious to learn more about making health changes with self-compassion?
Learn more about Wellness Coaching with the Wellness Service here:
www.kirbyhealth.org/services/wellness-services/