3 simple steps to practice self compassion
Hello, lovely!
The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also bring stress, overwhelm, and burnout. But what if there was a simple solution? Self-compassion. Today, I want to share with you how to practice self-compassion to reduce stress, manage overwhelm, and take care of your mental well-being during the busiest time of the year.
Why Self-Compassion is Key During the Holidays
The holiday season often brings mounting pressure to meet expectations, attend events, and manage endless tasks. It’s easy to feel like you're racing toward the finish line. But if you’ve been feeling drained, stressed, and overwhelmed, it’s time to practice self-compassion. This isn’t about quick fixes or hacks; it’s about adopting a sustainable, life-changing practice that helps you thrive.
I’ve been talking to many clients this week, and they’re all feeling similar stresses. They’re tired, overwhelmed, and just want to make it through the season. But by practicing self-compassion, you can feel more centered and better equipped to handle the holiday hustle.
What is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion is about being kind to yourself, especially when things feel tough. It’s allowing yourself to experience difficulty without judgment. Instead of criticizing or blaming yourself for feeling stressed, self-compassion encourages kindness, empathy, and understanding. It’s a life-changing practice that, while simple, requires intention and consistency.
Here are 3 simple steps to practice self-compassion during stressful times:
1. Notice When You Need Self-Compassion
The first step is becoming aware of how you’re feeling. Are you overwhelmed? Stressed? Tired? Notice these feelings early before they snowball into a meltdown. Pay attention to when stress begins to rise—maybe it's as you check your emails, read through WhatsApp messages, or think about all the holiday tasks ahead.
Take a moment to pause and ask yourself: “What do I need right now to feel better?” Recognize the strain and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel this way. By practicing awareness, you’re setting the stage for meaningful self-care.
2. Acknowledge That You Are Not Alone
During the holiday season, many women experience the same overwhelm. You are not flawed or broken—this is a shared human experience. Knowing that you’re not alone can be a huge relief. It’s a reminder that other women are navigating the same challenges, and that can be incredibly inspiring.
This step also encourages connection. Reach out to a friend, family member, or loved one. Sometimes, simply talking to someone can make all the difference.
3. Extend Kindness to Yourself
Self-compassion is a deliberate action. It’s about being kind to yourself, just as you would be to a friend in need. You can do this in several ways:
Verbal kindness: Affirmations can be a powerful tool. Start with simple, accessible phrases like: "I am learning to give myself rest." or "I am giving myself compassion and peace."
Physical acts of kindness: Treat yourself with gentle care, whether it’s resting, hugging yourself, or taking a moment for calm. These actions activate your calming nervous system and help create feelings of safety and peace.
Breathwork: Combine breathwork with gentle touch for a soothing, restorative practice.
Being kind to yourself in tangible ways will boost your emotional well-being and help you navigate the chaos of the holidays with more ease.
To sum up, self-compassion involves three key actions:
Awareness: Recognize how you're feeling and acknowledge the signs of stress.
Acknowledgment of your humanity: Understand that it’s okay to struggle and that you’re not alone.
Deliberate acts of kindness: Show yourself kindness with words, physical touch, and self-care.
By practicing these simple steps, you will boost your self-worth and create a ripple effect of positivity in your life.
Final Thoughts
Self-compassion is a powerful tool to manage stress and improve your overall well-being, especially during the holiday season. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being human. It takes practice, but showing up for yourself in this way will help you feel more grounded and capable of handling whatever comes your way.
Let me know how it goes for you! I hope these steps help you feel more at peace during this busy season.
Love,
SaraLou x
