Practicing Self-Compassion in Difficult Times

If you are anxious and fearful now, you are not alone. Many of us have those same feelings during this challenging time. It is important to remember that you don’t need to banish your fear but to foster a love for yourself that encourages and strengthens who you are. Self-compassion can help you regain a sense of calm and gain some perspective.

How do I practice self-compassion?

Self-compassion is showing yourself the same loving kindness you would show someone else. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable but there is room for self-kindness in recovery. Here a few ways to practice self-compassion.

• Talk positively to yourself. Some may find this to be challenging because we are so often our own worst critic. Stop and think about how you would speak to someone you love during a difficult or stressful situation. Now, direct that same response toward yourself as you are feeling anxious and fearful. Transform negative talk into something loving and kind.
• Practice mindfulness. A key practice in self-compassion is mindfulness. The term Selah is found in the Bible seventy-four times and is often thought to mean “to pause” or “to reflect.” As you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, take the time to pause and take deep breaths to calm and center yourself. Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at the moment.
• Comfort your body. Practice intuitive eating and listen to your body’s natural cues to guide your food choices. You can also comfort your body by getting adequate rest, taking a short break, or enjoying a walk. Making yourself feel good physically is practicing self-compassion.
• Write a letter to yourself. This is like journaling, but instead, you are writing a letter of unconditional love to yourself. As we are going through this time of uncertainty, think about how you would want someone to express compassion to you. Write down those words to yourself. This empowering process can help you find your voice and share your inner thoughts without fear or judgment.

As we all navigate this time, it is most important to remember that you are not alone. Asking for help and allowing others to help you is a vital part of self-compassion. At Selah House, we encourage our clients to practice self-compassion and develop a deeper knowledge of who they are. As a Christ-centered, clinically excellent program, we hold everyone in high regard by treating the whole body that supports each woman physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We hope to lead our clients into an understanding of how God and spirituality relate to the journey of recovery, with the goal being to lead them into a fulfilling life free from their eating disorder.

If you need help for an eating disorder, Selah House can help. We offer evidence-based treatment for women and girls who are suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Our treatment team designs a customized program to meet your unique needs. Our focus is to help clients identify and understand their underlying issues that contribute to their eating disorder and offer the support needed to find freedom.

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“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” – Song of Solomon 4:7