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Practicing Self-Compassion

Resources on the Importance of Boundary-Setting, Practicing Real Self-Care, and Building Self-Compassion

Key Take-Aways in Starting to Practice Real Self-Care

Adapted from the book: Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

  • The internal steps are boundaries, compassion, values + power - use these to do that internal work of figuring out what real self-care looks like for YOU.
  • Boundaries are not always about saying no. Boundaries can be pausing before you answer. There is power in the pause.
  • "Guilt doesn't need to be your moral compass. It can be just a feeling that passes." Building a guilt-tolerance is instrumental in implementing Real Self-Care.
  • Lower the volume on the negative voices in your head and in your environment.
  • Implementing Real Self-Care is a life-long process. It's not about finding the time, it's about making the time. Think of it as an investment in yourself. 

Articles:

"If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete."

— Jack Kornfield

5 Helpful Questions for Self-Care for Transition (into a new month, new season, or new year)

Based on the work of Janine Halloran, LMHC

  • What do you want to take with you?
  • What do you want to leave behind?
  • Did you learn anything about yourself?
  • Have you been inspired to do something new?
  • What practices will you put in place to promote your wellbeing?

6 Ways to Show Yourself Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff (selfcompassion.org)

  • Ask yourself, 'What do I need?': Pause for a moment and check in. Do you need rest, reassurance, movement, or connection? Listening to yourself with curiosity and care is a powerful act of self-compassion.
  • Treat Yourself Like a Friend: Speak to yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a dear friend.
  • Supportive Touch: A gentle hand on your heart or a comforting self-hug can soothe and ground you in moments of distress.
  • Write a Self-Compassionate Letter: Put pen to paper and offer yourself words of comfort and encouragement, just as you would to someone you love.
  • Remember You Aren’t Alone: It’s important to acknowledge that we all face challenges—this imperfection is what makes us human.
  • Use a Warm Inner Tone of Voice: Try to adopt a gentle tone with yourself, especially when things go wrong. Practice patience, understanding, and warmth toward yourself.

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