{"id":97158,"date":"2023-03-10T01:58:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-10T07:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=97158"},"modified":"2023-03-09T16:26:45","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T22:26:45","slug":"take-care-a-lesson-in-self-compassion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2023\/03\/10\/take-care-a-lesson-in-self-compassion\/","title":{"rendered":"Take Care: A lesson in self-compassion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever noticed that you are much harder on yourself than you are on other people? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us tend to be self-critical, setting high standards for ourselves that are difficult to meet. If others fail to meet those high standards, they\u2019ll typically be met with compassion. But having that same compassion for ourselves often is difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Kristen Neff, PhD, a pioneer in the research of self-compassion, self-compassion is made up of three components: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Self-kindness: \u201cBeing loving, gentle and understanding toward oneself and involves actively soothing and comforting oneself in times of struggle.\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Common humanity: Recognizing that imperfection is part of being human and that we all struggle sometimes, instead of blaming ourselves for not being \u201cgood enough.\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Mindfulness: Responding to distress in a way \u201cthat neither stifles and avoids nor amplifies and ruminates on uncomfortable emotions.\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Self-compassion is an essential building block for finding purpose and meaning in our lives, because self-compassion allows us to be gentle with ourselves as we explore our values and priorities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Dr. Neff and other researchers have found that self-compassionate people are less likely to ruminate on their negative thoughts and emotions, and \u201cself-compassion is associated with feelings of life satisfaction, happiness, wisdom, optimism, gratitude, curiosity, creativity and positive affect.\u201d Self-compassion also has positive effects on self-esteem, motivation, health and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        So how does someone practice self-compassion? Here are some ideas to get you started: <\/p>\n\n\n\n