Mindful Self-Compassion
As a college athlete it is easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself when experiencing failure or hardship in your life. Self-compassion can help combat this. Showing yourself kindness and grace when facing adversity can make you more resilient, decrease stress/anxiety/depression, and improve your overall happiness. Often our inner voice is the most critical. Try these strategies to change your inner voice from critical to caring.
Think about how you would treat a friend.
Think about a situation that is causing you to struggle. What would you say to a friend if they were in this same situation? Is it different from what you are telling yourself? Allow your inner voice to become a friendly voice.
Accept imperfection.
When you are hung up on a mistake or “failure” in your life, remember that mistakes are human nature and not exclusive to you. Free yourself of the pressure to do everything perfectly.
Take a self-compassion break.
Think of a situation in your life that is difficult, that is causing you stress. Call the situation to mind, and see if you can actually feel the stress and emotional discomfort in your body. Listen now.
Write self-compassion letters.
Write a letter to yourself when you are down from the perspective of those trying to motivate you. Keep the letter to come back to and reread to let the words of kindness sink in.
OTHER Resources
Guided Practices and Exercises
Check out a collection of guided audio on self-compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff.
The Transformative Effects of Mindful Self-Compassion
Leading experts on mindful self-compassion Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer share how self-kindness, recognition of our humanity, and mindfulness give us the strength to thrive.