Hey, Sarah. What’s the One Good Thing you recommend everyone does for their mental health? 

Establish a consistent practice of self-compassion. I regularly find ways to incorporate this into the lives of my patients. This means actively extending kindness towards oneself during moments of pain or failure, rather than ignoring our pain or criticising ourselves.

Why is this your One Good Thing?

Self-compassion is my chosen One Good Thing for its transformative impact on mental health. 

In my work as a psychologist, I’ve witnessed countless individuals who are very hard on themselves, which often exacerbates feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Self-compassion, on the other hand, acknowledges our common humanity – the fact that everyone experiences hardship and makes mistakes. 

By cultivating a more gentle and understanding relationship with ourselves, we can mitigate the impact of these negative mental states and foster resilience. Though sometimes this can be hard to do! With the right help and training, however, this ‘muscle’ can become stronger.

Self-compassion works by changing the way we relate to our own struggles. Instead of falling into cycles of self-criticism or denial when we face difficulty, we instead offer ourselves understanding and kindness. This doesn’t mean avoiding accountability, but rather approaching our mistakes and pain with the same compassion we’d show a good friend. Self-compassion can be practised in daily life, during meditation or through specific exercises and reflections.

What benefits could we see from a regular self-compassion practice?

The benefits of self-compassion are many. It’s been linked to reductions in negative mental states like depression, anxiety and stress. Meanwhile, it’s been associated with increases in positive mental states like happiness, life satisfaction and optimism. By fostering an attitude of self-compassion, we also tend to enhance our emotional resilience, enabling us to navigate life’s ups and downs more smoothly.

Are there any ways we can do this wrong?

One common pitfall of self-compassion is the misconception that it’s a form of self-pity or self-indulgence. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Self-compassion is not about feeling sorry for oneself but about acknowledging our pain and treating ourselves with kindness. To avoid this pitfall, it’s important to educate ourselves about what self-compassion truly is. Additionally, some people might struggle to practice self-compassion due to deeply ingrained habits of self-criticism. Regular practice and patience are key in these cases.

How do you do your One Good Thing?

Personally, I incorporate self-compassion into my daily routine by taking a few moments each day to check in with myself. This involves acknowledging any feelings of discomfort or stress and offering myself kind words of support. I also remind myself that everyone experiences difficulties, which helps me feel more connected with others, even in tough times.

And how has this changed your life for the better?

Integrating self-compassion into my life has been a game-changer. It has allowed me to cultivate a much healthier relationship with myself, characterised by kindness and understanding rather than judgment. This shift has significantly reduced my own stress levels and has enhanced my overall wellbeing. Additionally, it’s improved my relationships with others, as I’ve become more understanding and compassionate towards them as well. Self-compassion hasn’t just changed my life – it’s transformed the way I engage with the world.

Frame Of Mind is Stylist’s home for all things mental health and the mind. From expert advice on the small changes you can make to improve your wellbeing to first-person essays and features on topics ranging from autism to antidepressants, we’ll be exploring mental health in all its forms. You can check out the series home page to get started.

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