7 Signs that You Need to Prioritize Self-Compassion

Nourishing Your Physical, Emotional, and Mental Health

Your mental and spiritual health is strengthened when you practice and prioritize self-care and compassion. I’m not talking about getting your nails done or treating yourself to that new purse. Those are self-soothing mechanisms that are great for boosting your mental state momentarily, but I’m talking about prioritizing and cultivating a deep sense of self-love and self-compassion by learning to treat yourself with the same energy, empathy, and kindness you would offer a friend.

This may sound easy enough but when you are in the middle of turmoil it can be especially challenging to see your worth.

Self-compassion means you accept that you and everyone you know will experience times of defeat. It’s recognizing that during these times we don’t criticize ourselves or others, but acknowledge that we all deserve support, understanding, and encouragement. These are things we often forget to practice within ourselves.

When you are feeling low it’s tempting to fall into the trap of self-sabotage instead of opening your heart to compassion, acceptance, and kindness.

Below are 7 signs that you need to prioritize self-compassion to strengthen your mental and spiritual health.

1. Negative Self Talk

When you fall into the habit of constantly criticizing yourself it begins to chip away at your self-esteem, making you feel even more unworthy and anxious. This inner dialogue amplifies life’s challenges and can lead to depression. When you catch yourself in this cycle, challenge yourself to identify times in your life when this negative self-talk wasn’t true. For example, if you are beating yourself up about falling off of a commitment you made to yourself, identify a time from your past when that story wasn’t the case. This reminds you that you can stick to a commitment, you’ve done it before and you will do it again. These reminders help you to redirect those unworthy and defeatest thoughts. Recalling past successes is a way of encouraging and supporting yourself instead of judging every setback. This is one way to nurture a compassionate voice and foster a more positive and resilient mindset.

2. Comparing Yourself To Others

Constantly comparing yourself to others is a trap. Every single person on this planet is experiencing a unique path filled with highs and lows.

Comparisons are often based on incomplete information that can be detrimental to your self-esteem.

To break this habit, focus on your own journey and achievements. Practice self-compassion by regularly acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments. You might consider limiting your time exposed to social media and replacing that time with engaging in activities that bring you joy and reinforce your self-worth. Your home may never be as clean as that busy mom of 4 you follow on Instagram, but your home might be the perfect amount of cozy for you. Embrace that. Continue to see the amazing quality of others, but don’t lose yourself by comparing your experience with the half-truths of others.

3. Tolerating Toxic Behaviors

It’s true we can’t always choose the people we are around, like co-workers, or family members, but that doesn’t mean you have to tolerate their toxic behaviors. The key here is boundaries!!! Clearly identify what it is about their behavior that is harming your well-being. This helps you communicate your feelings and needs honestly and without aggression. It’s important to use “I” statements as you express how those behaviors affect you. Focus on your emotions rather than blaming them.

Boundaries are an act of self-compassion.

You deserve respect and kindness so be true to the boundary even when it’s easier not to. If the toxic behavior continues, consider limiting or ending interactions with that person. By prioritizing your mental and emotional health you become a more compassionate and well-balanced person.

4. Difficulty Saying No

Learning to say no when asked to take on a task can feel tricky because the spotlight is on you and you are a helpful person. Saying no when your plate is too full (or if you just plain don’t want to do something) involves balancing your own needs with the empathy you have for helping others. Saying no from a place of compassion strengthens trust. Thanking them for thinking of you while acknowledging that it’s not the right fit at this time is a way of offering respect for both yourself and the others involved. And remember, no means no. It is not your responsibility to explain why, you don’t have to be overwhelmed to say no, you can just say no.

5. Feelings Of Inadequacy

When you perceive yourself as not measuring up to certain standards or expectations it’s easy for self-doubt, anxiety, and inadequacy to creep in, leaving you with a negative self-image. You can begin to counteract this harsh criticism by offering yourself the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Recognize that everyone encounters difficulties and deserves compassion, including yourself! When you respond to your struggles with empathy rather than judgment you begin to foster resilience that shifts your perspective. Embrace your imperfections and remember everyone is fighting a battle as we grow and shift

6. Seeking External Validation

Prioritizing self-compassion can be a powerful tool in combating the constant need for external validation. When you are searching for the approval of others you place your self-worth in their hands. When you start focusing on internal validation of self you begin to value your true nature and the independent judgments of others have less power over you. Practice acknowledging your achievement, not based on other’s expectations but on your own. Over time this internal validation becomes more fulfilling and more reliable

7. Avoiding Self-Care

When you lack self-compassion you might start to neglect self-care because you feel unworthy or that you haven’t earned it. In these times it’s important to remember that prioritizing self-compassion encourages you to treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a struggling friend. Recognize that taking time for self-care is essential for our overall health and happiness. Acknowledge your need, and understand that nurturing yourself is not only okay but necessary. Get out of bed, take a shower, and go on that walk. These basic forms of self-care help move you out of shame and support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. No one is going to do these things for you, so it’s important to remember that you are worth it.

You are worth it!

Prioritizing self-compassion is essential in this busy world of burnout. You are worthy of nourishing your physical, emotional, and mental health. When you make self-compassion a priority, you ensure that you have the energy and resilience to handle life’s challenges. Take an honest look at your life and identify where the work is needed. Include practices like healthy eating habits, sufficient amounts of sleep, a mindfulness practice, an activity or hobby you enjoy, and moving your body in some way every single day. Create boundaries for yourself so you can protect your time and energy. These are all parts of self-compassion that are vital in maintaining balance and ways to help you show up for yourself and others.

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