Why Self-Compassion is Important for Your Wellbeing: Tips from Dr. Kristin Neff

On the surface, self-compassion sounds like a good thing. But what exactly is it? And how can practicing self-compassion improve your wellbeing?

What is self-compassion?

In Dr. Kristin Neff’s words, “Self-compassion refers to being supportive toward oneself when experiencing suffering or pain-be it caused by personal mistakes and inadequacies or external life challenges.”

Mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness are the three main elements of compassion. All of these combine and become self-compassion when you treat yourself -  as well as others -  mindfully, empathetically, and with kindness.

Self-compassion consists of six different elements:

• Increased self-kindness
• Common humanity
• Mindfulness
• Reduced self-judgment
• Reduced isolation
• Reduced over-identification

What does science say?

Research on self-compassion has shown that people who are more self-compassionate experience both mental and physical benefits. Self-compassionate people are more likely to feel satisfied with their lives, have a stable sense of self-worth, be more emotionally intelligent, be resilient when facing hardship, feel authentically connected in relationship with others, sleep well and maintain better health, among many other benefits.