We all know that self-care, like getting enough sleep, giving yourself a pat on the back, or going to the gym, is good for you; but what about self-compassion? It’s something we don’t practice nearly enough, especially in the workplace.
Self-compassion in the workplace and how does it help?
Self-compassion, put simply, is cutting yourself some slack. People who are compassionate towards themselves have less performance anxiety, more self-confidence, and less fear of failure. Additionally, they are likely to keep persisting after setbacks. Being able to recover from mistakes is one of the best ways to be productive. Ensuring that whenever you inevitably make a mistake, it is never your end-all.
How should you actually practice self-compassion?
Changing your mindset
- Common humanity:
It's important to recognise you're not alone in your struggles, as many others face similar hardships. Human nature includes making mistakes and feeling lost or failing. Embracing this mindset is crucial for mindfulness, which has been shown to improve productivity. - Treating yourself like a friend:
If you have compassion you can give to a friend you care about who’s going through a hard time, nothing’s stopping you from showing yourself some self-compassion. You wouldn’t berate a friend who’s already struggling, so there’s no reason to direct that towards yourself. - Positive reflections:
Reflect on more than just the negatives. Think of all the things you’ve accomplished, not just what’s gone wrong. This helps build confidence which is essential for powering through hardships.
Forming better habits:
- Break times:
Taking breaks from work, especially during stressful times, helps your mind relax and prevents burnout. This is particularly useful when you've been working on something for a long time, as a short break can give you a fresh perspective. Avoiding burnout ensures you use your time more productively. - Affirmations and motivation
Starting your days or work hours by telling yourself affirmations or looking at something to motivational is very effective at putting you in a good mental place. Being in a good place mentally helps you remain self-compassionate for the rest of your day. - Treating yourself:
While it sounds trivial, going out to treat yourself to something is one of the more tangible ways of showing self-compassion. Enjoying a massage, some good food, or a new game can be a great way to show kindness to yourself—just remember to enjoy these in moderation. - Daily letters or meditation:
Show yourself compassion by writing a letter or meditating. Writing helps you express your thoughts, whether good or bad. Meditation clears distractions. Both ways help you organize and reflect on your thoughts better so that you can look on them objectively or with more compassion .
Not completely sold on the idea yet?
While self-compassion can be used as a bandage on a stressful or hard situation to help you feel better, it’s best utilized when you use it proactively to strengthen your mind and soul to continue to face the many challenges life will throw your way. Research even corroborates the idea that those who feel content and happy with themselves tend to perform better in their tasks.
Remember, being kind to yourself is crucial for personal growth. Start early so it becomes a habit. If you're finding it tough, talk to someone who has known you for a long time; they can help you see your stress more clearly. If you need more support, check out this link for helplines and websites to begin your journey toward self-compassion with a clear mind.