3.1 Exploring the concept of self-compassion

Self-compassion is a particularly helpful self-care strategy when under stress. It involves recognising and acknowledging that you are having a difficult time, and identifying ways you can care for yourself, ‘giving oneself the same kindness and care we would give to a good friend’ (Neff, 2023). The benefits of self-compassion include lower levels of anxiety and depression (Harvard Health, 2022).

Research evidence shows that a greater sense of wellbeing also relates to increased physical benefits, such as lower incidences of cardiovascular disease, stroke and sleeping problems (Warburton and Bredin, 2019). Wellbeing can also increase productivity and creativeness and promote resilience, enabling increased ability to cope with – and adapt to – new situations.

Activity 4 Developing your self-compassion

Allow about 30 minutes

Watch Dr Kristin Neff's video introducing the concepts of self-compassion and self-esteem. Take some notes, perhaps adding to the reflective journal you started in Activity 2, as reminders. Identify three steps that you can take to be more self-compassionate.

Transcript

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Discussion

The video introduces the three components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humility and mindfulness. You were introduced to several real-life situations which applied self-compassion to manage stress. Your reflective diary should enable you to explore how these could be applied in your own life.

Further reading is available on Dr Neff’s website: Self-compassion.