Self-compassion is an important concept that can be particularly helpful for individuals who are facing disease or illness. When we talk about self-compassion, we are referring to treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and showing care, particularly in difficult or challenging situations.
When someone is facing a disease, whether it is a chronic illness or a serious diagnosis, it can be a time of great stress and uncertainty. In these situations, it is common for people to experience a range of difficult emotions, including fear, anxiety, and sadness, frustration and even anger against our own body. Practicing self-compassion can be an effective way to manage these emotions and to support oneself through the challenges of living with a disease.
Here are some ways that self-compassion can be helpful in the context of disease:
It can reduce stress and anxiety. When we are facing a disease, it is common to experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Self-compassion can help to counteract these emotions by providing a sense of comfort and support. By treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, we can create a sense of safety and security that can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
It can help us cope with difficult emotions. Living with a disease can be emotionally challenging. Self-compassion can help us to acknowledge and accept our emotions, rather than pushing them away or judging ourselves for feeling them. By allowing ourselves to feel our emotions and treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, we can develop a greater sense of emotional resilience.
It can improve our relationships. When we treat ourselves with compassion, we are more likely to treat others with compassion as well. This can improve our relationships with loved ones, healthcare providers, and others who are supporting us through our journey with disease.
It can support our physical health. Self-compassion has been shown to have a range of physical health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving immune function, and reducing the risk of chronic disease. By treating ourselves with kindness and care, we may be able to support our physical health as well as our emotional wellbeing.
Being self-compassionate with your own body, means treating it with kindness and care, and understanding its challenges without being judgemental. So, how we practice self-compassion:
1- By acknowledging our feelings and emotions without judging.
2. Practicing mindfulness, focussing on your breath or using guided meditations to help you stay present.
3. Treat yourself like you would a friend, pay attention to negative thoughts you may be having about yourself. Would you say those things to a friend? Then, why do you have to listen them about yourself? Speak to yourself like you would to a friend.
4. Practice self-care, physically and emotionally.
5. Embrace imperfection. It’s ok and even positive to make mistakes.
6. Hug yourself. Hugs are powerful and we don’t receive enough of those. Who said you cannot give one to yourself? You deserve it!
Remember, self-compassion is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. With consistent effort and patience, you can cultivate a greater sense of self- compassion and self-love in your life.
