How to Feel Whole Again: The Benefits of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the term used for being compassionate to ourselves.  When we practice self-compassion, we extend the same tolerance and kindness to ourselves as we do to others.  For example, we withhold judgment and criticism of ourselves when we make a mistake or notice something about ourselves we don’t like.  We treat ourselves with the same gentle support we would give to a friend or a young child.

Self-compassionate people are also more likely to attend to self-care needs without guilt.

There are many benefits of self-compassion. In fact, once we introduce self-compassion into our lives, it can change everything.

What Is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion is not to be confused with being selfish, self-centered, or with having high self-esteem.  Though there are some similarities, these are each very distinct and different qualities.

When we are self-compassionate, we do not see ourselves as better than others.

Or as more important than others.

And it certainly doesn’t mean we fail to be considerate of other people’s needs.

All it means is that we treat ourselves fairly, and with unconditional love.

What are the Benefits

Some of the key benefits of self-compassion, confirmed by science, are listed below. It’s easy to see why we must embrace the concept and the practice – both for our own good and the good of the world!  So for those of you who need more reasons to do it, see the list below. Those who practice self-compassion…:

1. Are more likely to be healthy, live a long life, and have enhanced immune responses.
2. Often are more likely to be happy, optimistic, curious, agreeable and conscientious. It also means you are more likely to take initiative.
3. Have more positive thoughts in the present moment. Positive thoughts have been proven to lead to positive outcomes, both for you and those around you.
4. Experience a heightened state that increases endorphin and serotonin production. Both promote an overall feeling of well-being.
5. Have a natural influence on those around them, prompting them to be kinder to themselves and to others.
6. Are less likely to judge themselves; as this happens, they are less likely to judge others.
7. Rely less on others to validate our own self-worth.
8. Forgive themselves for past mistakes; as they forgive themselves, they also find it easier to forgive others.
9. Are slower to exhibit anxiety, anger, and aggression.
10. Are more likely to view life events as stepping-stones to opportunity – and recover more quickly from setbacks.

How to practice self-compassion?

There are many different ways in which you can begin to practice self-compassion in your day-to-day life, starting by forgiving yourself.

Forgive yourself for any mistakes you have made, no matter how severe they may seem. This is the first step toward letting go, especially when it helps you to realize that you have a problem that you need to address.

For example, if you’ve fallen into negative behaviors, such as drinking or using other substances, due to lingering guilt or self-hate, then coming to this realization means you’re able to do something about it moving forward.

For example, you may attend an iop in your local area. Here, not only will you take the first step toward recovery, but you’ll also learn to be kinder to yourself in the process.  

You can also practice compassion by being kinder to yourself and silencing negative self-talk. 

Why Self-Compassion Is Important

We try to be everything we can be to others in our lives. Let’s be there for ourselves and each other, too. Please comment on this post and share how this makes you feel. We are all so much more than enough!

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.