And every time I do my weekly review, I have this habit of being too hard on myself.
“You need to commit to being more consistent!”
I can’t help it.
It’s my gut reaction, but also not helpful.
So, building off last week’s issue on “Exercising when Life Happens”, this week is about why it’s useful to be self-compassionate.
You may think it’s too touchy-feely.
But for me, it’s the most practical thing for your health.
Here’s why
Why Self-Compassion is the Only Thing That Works
When you fail to meet your own expectations, it’s easy to fall into self-criticism, isn’t it?
I’ve been there many times.
You start berating yourself, thinking “I wasn’t disciplined enough,” “I ate too much junk food,” or “I skipped my workout.”
That negative self-talk? It’s not helping.
Being caught in guilt and shame undermines my motivation and self-esteem, leading to setbacks or wanting to give up on my health goals.
That’s why self-compassion is important.
Treating yourself with kindness and understanding creates a supportive environment, even when you stumble. It helps you recover from setbacks and pursue health goals with fresh determination.
Instead of criticizing myself harshly, I talk to myself like a good friend – with empathy and encouragement.
And you know what? It works better.
I can continue working towards the healthy life I want, imperfections and all.
How to Embrace Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is essential for long-term health and well-being.
Treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness creates a strong foundation for success.
Embrace setbacks as part of the journey. They’re going to happen, and that’s okay!
Reframe challenges as growth opportunities instead of being overly critical of yourself.
Every obstacle is a chance to learn and grow stronger.
Cultivating resilience is linked to self-compassion. Being kind to yourself helps yourecover from tough times and improves your well-being.
Health is a lifelong journey, and self-compassion is your companion, helping you navigate it with grace and joy.
Be kind to yourself, celebrate your efforts, and trust that every small step brings you closer to a healthier, happier you.
You can do it!