The Power of Self-Compassion for Reducing Stress
No matter how great your life may be, learning proper stress reduction tactics is essential. Although stress is a natural reaction to adverse life events, prolonged stress can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, reduced libido, stomach/digestive issues, exhaustion, depression, and more. While you have likely tried some of the more traditional stress reduction methods (i.e., meditation, yoga, etc.), one lesser-known tactic may work wonders for reducing stress: self-compassion. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the power of self-compassion for reducing stress.
The Physiology of Self-Criticism and Self-Compassion
Although such thoughts may be harmful, many people are well-acclimated with self-criticism. This concept can be defined as the act of pointing out one's own flaws in a way that is critical. Although some level of self-criticism is average and can even serve as a tool for personal growth, it can also undermine one's self-esteem and peace of mind.
On the other hand, self-compassion is essentially the antithesis of self-criticism. It involves responding to your own flaws and shortcomings in the same kind, caring manner in which you respond to your loved ones. In other words, rather than becoming overly critical or self-deprecating when you are feeling less than your best, you would respond with genuine love and understanding.
Self-Compassion, Stress, and Coping
Although an array of factors can trigger stress, the underlying issue is that you're experiencing unpleasant feelings that make you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with your life. Since it is not always possible to fix the issue that is causing the stress, developing proper coping mechanisms is vital to allow yourself to decompress and relieve those unpleasant feelings and emotions. Some of the more common coping mechanisms can be things such as listening to music, working out, dancing, etc.
The Transformative Effects of Mindful Self-Compassion
Learning mindful self-compassion can be a great way to reduce and manage stress. This is because focusing on being compassionate with yourself can totally neutralize your tendency to self-criticize. In essence, practicing and mastering self-compassion teaches you to be gentle with yourself rather than overly critical.
Therefore, when you are experiencing moments in which you may fall short or maybe feel bad about yourself, you will be more likely to remind yourself that these experiences are a part of life rather than an indication that there is something innately wrong with you. So, rather than telling yourself that you are a terrible person or that you somehow deserve your adverse experiences, you will remind yourself that you are simply a human who is having a temporary, although negative, experience. This can work wonders in terms of allowing you to overcome and find solutions rather than dwelling on the negative and becoming stagnant.
How Do You Use Self-Compassion to Reduce Stress?
If you are wondering how to go about using self-compassion to reduce stress, you have lots of options. No matter which one you choose, you should make sure that you are choosing actions that make you feel relieved or at least a tad bit better. Your most helpful actions would be those that help you feel cared for, and that reminds you of your self-worth.
For instance, you could listen to your favorite album or watch your favorite comedy film. You could also take a bubble bath or have a spa day. Other options are to call someone who gives you good advice or responds to you in a loving way. Either way, you should take the time to do something to make yourself feel happier and more relaxed, and thus, less stressed out. Overall, embracing self-compassion can be the best way to allow you to navigate life without sinking into major pitfalls that may be triggered by stress.
