Zenworks Blog

Self Care Tip #6: Imagine You Are Your Best Friend

Summer of Self Care #6 is all about you and loving yourself!

Imagine you’re your best friend. If you were, what would you tell yourself right now? Look in the mirror and say it. If you have kids, invite them to join you for this heart and eye-opening experience.

According to Dr. Kristin Neff, “self-compassion is extending compassion to one’s self in instances of perceived inadequacy, failure, or general suffering” similar to what you would say towards a friend or loved one.  She also states that “instead of just ignoring your pain with a ‘stiff upper lip’ mentality, you stop to tell yourself “this is really difficult right now,” how can I comfort and care for myself in this moment?

Self-compassion can especially be powerful for educators who are responsible for the well-being and academics of hundreds of students in their tenure and are constantly faced with stress.  It can be just as important for students from childhood to adolescence who are learning to accept failures and all the trials and tribulations that they face.

You can learn more about self-compassion on Dr. Kristin Neff’s site.  And check out some tips for de-stressing from our blog post here!

And the next time you (or a student) are being too hard on yourself, stop and be the friend you need!