We’re coming to the pointy end of semester and experiencing feelings of stress and anxiety around this time can be completely normal. With mounting end of semester assignments and exams looming, it’s easy to put pressure on yourself and feel overwhelmed by the coming weeks. However, it’s also the best time to take time out, check-in with yourself and practice self-compassion.
What is self-compassion?
Self-compassion is about being aware of feelings of stress or pain, considering it with care, and understanding that although hard, it is all part of being human.
Think about it this way: when your friends are going through a hard time, you offer them support, care and understanding. Why wouldn’t you do the same for yourself when stressed out? You are your greatest friend, so treat yourself with kindness. Doing so can benefit your mental health and wellbeing; including activating your ‘soothe system’, which calms feelings of anxiety and the need to be doing something all of the time.
Self-compassion has three components:
- Self-kindness: This involves being warm and understanding toward yourself during difficult times rather than overly self-critical.
- Common humanity: This refers to you doing your best to recognise that suffering is a part of the shared human experience, rather than feeling alone in your pain.
- Mindfulness: This means holding your painful thoughts and feelings in balanced awareness, rather than over-identifying with them or suppressing them.
Why do you need to practice self-compassion?
It’s easy to brush your feelings under the proverbial rug and try to push through until the end of semester. However, this can lead to burnout and extra stress as you push yourself beyond your mental limits. So why should you be practicing self-compassion?
It can help you develop a growth mindset
Practicing self-compassion can improve your mental health by lowering your levels of anxiety, depression and stress. It can also improve your ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, and encourage you to develop a growth mindset where failures are seen as opportunities for learning rather than as reflections of your worth.
It can help you form healthy interpersonal relationships
Not only does the practice support your wellbeing, but it can lead you to forming healthier and more supportive relationships. People who are compassionate towards themselves tend to be more compassionate and empathetic towards others.
It can help increase your motivation
Contrary to popular belief, self-criticism does not increase your motivation. Self-compassion is better at promoting greater motivation and personal growth, and provides a safe emotional environment where you feel encouraged to take risks and pursue your goals.
Practicing self-compassion really has no downside. By simply treating yourself as you would a friend when times are tough, you have the ability to improve your emotional resilience, your wellbeing, motivation and interpersonal relationships, which all contribute to a more fulfilling and balanced student life.
