Faculty Self-Compassion
As we continue our journey through Self-care Summer, let's explore the transformative power of self-compassion.
We often tend to be our own harshest critics, saying things to ourselves that we would never say to another person. While we readily offer empathy and compassion to others, extending that same kindness to ourselves can be challenging. In a fast-paced and demanding professional world, it's important to remember that being kind to ourselves is not just a personal virtue but a professional necessity.
Why practice self-compassion?
Self-compassion means showing kindness to ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. According to Harvard Health Publishing (2024), self-compassion offers several mental and physical health benefits. Self-compassionate individuals recognize their suffering and respond with kindness, which reduces anxiety and related depression.
Benefits of Self-Compassion in the Workplace:
Resilience: Self-compassion fosters resilience, enabling us to bounce back from setbacks and challenges with a positive mindset.
Improved Mental Health: Research shows that self-compassionate individuals are less prone to stress, anxiety, and burnout, leading to better overall mental well-being.
Enhanced Relationships: Practicing self-compassion can positively impact our interactions with colleagues, fostering a more empathetic and supportive workplace culture.
How to Practice Self-Compassion:
According to Christopher Germer, different practices can enhance our ability to embody self-compassion:
Comfort your body: Eat something healthy, rest, massage your neck, feet, or hands, or walk. Anything that improves your physical well-being can be an act of self-compassion.
Write a letter to yourself: Describe a situation that caused you pain. Instead of blaming anyone, acknowledge your feelings.
Encourage yourself: If something painful happens, think about what you would say to a friend and direct those compassionate responses toward yourself.
Practice mindfulness: Nonjudgmental observation of your thoughts, feelings, and actions without trying to suppress or deny them can help you accept both the good and the bad with a compassionate attitude.
Recognize that setbacks and challenges are part of the human experience and that you're not alone in facing them. Let's commit to integrating self-compassion into our professional lives and nurturing a work environment that values well-being and personal growth.
Here are a couple of articles to help you practice self-compassion:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-power-of-self-compassion
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2790748/
#SelfCareSummer #SelfCompassion #ProfessionalWellBeing #MentalHealth #Resilience #WorkplaceCulture #Empathy #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #SelfCompassionPractices #MBCGLLC #MerakiConsultancy
