Self-Compassion in Trying Times
Jan 25, 2025
January can feel like a heavy month. The holidays are behind us, the buzz of “new year, new you” is wearing off, and life’s challenges haven’t taken a break. If you’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, frustrated, or even stuck, you’re not alone.
In this week’s podcast episode, I talked about the importance of leaning into self-compassion—especially during tough times. Self-compassion isn’t about avoiding challenges. It’s about meeting ourselves where we are with kindness, mindfulness, and an understanding that our struggles are part of the shared human experience.
Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading expert on self-compassion, defines it with three key elements:
- Self-Kindness: Offering yourself the same grace you’d give a friend.
- Mindfulness: Acknowledging your emotions without over-identifying or numbing out.
- Common Humanity: Reminding yourself that you’re not alone in how you feel.
For many of us, self-compassion doesn’t come naturally—it’s a skill we must practice. Here are some tools I’ve found helpful:
- Name Your Emotions: Start by simply identifying how you feel. Naming emotions helps you gain clarity and create space to respond thoughtfully.
- Journal Your Thoughts: A simple thought dump or stream-of-consciousness writing can help move overwhelming thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
- Lighten Your Load: It’s okay to set boundaries or take a break from activities, news, or conversations that feel too heavy right now.
- Seek Connection: Spend time with people who uplift and energize you, even if it’s just a quick phone call or a heartfelt text.
Remember, resilience doesn’t come from pushing through exhaustion or ignoring your needs. It’s built by nourishing yourself—through rest, reflection, and small acts of care.
Take a moment to pause and ask yourself: What do I need right now?
If you’re curious to dive deeper into this topic, you can listen to the full podcast episode here: Episode 160: Self Compassion in Trying Times
Hi There!
I'm Megan. I'm a Physician and a Life Coach and a Mom. I created this blog to help other Physicians and Physician-Moms learn more about why they feel exhausted, burned-out and overwhelmed, and how to start to make changes. I hope that you enjoy what you read, and that it helps you along your journey. And hey, if you want to talk about coaching with me, I'm here for that too! I offer a free 1:1 call to see if we are a good fit. Click the button below to register today.
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