When you screw up, are you more likely to be hard on yourself or do you give yourself empathy and compassion?

 

Let’s face it, if there’s one thing many of us are good at, it’s beating up on ourselves.

 

In fact, research has uncovered that many (women in particular) find it much easier to be compassionate with others than we are with ourselves.

 

But did you know that when we are hard on ourselves, this literally turns on the body’s fight or flight response, lowers our immune system and opens us up to disease? 

 

Studies have also associated lower levels of self-compassion with anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.

 

However, when we are kind to ourselves, we switch off the body’s threat response and put the body in a state of safety and relaxation that is important for regeneration and healing. We literally boost our immune system!

 

Many psychologists are discovering that self-compassion can also boost performance and enhance professional growth.

 

And the American Psychological Association agrees that self-compassion correlates with better physical and mental health.

 

And I want you to live a long, healthy and thriving live!

 

So from now on, how about we agree to treat ourselves with the same loving kindness and compassion as we would extend to a friend?

 

Self-compassion is yet another way that we can love ourselves more.

 

XOXO

Jenna