July 2022
The pandemic has added allot of stress on already busy life that we had. Changes occur rapidly , some aspects of our lives and things we like doing to relieve stress are prohibited. Social interaction is limited and parents need do to multiple jobs with less assistance at the same time. The past years have taken a physical and mental toll on everyone. Many people feel lonely, frustrated, overwhelm, exhausted, frazzled, anxious, angry and are becoming more critical with themselves and others. As the end does not seem to be in sight, we need to take better care of ourselves.
The following is a 3-step Compassion Break by Kristin Neff. It takes a few minutes so you can do it anywhere and at any time. Its what we can do to restore balance in our self-compassion.
Step 1:
when feeling your negative emotions take a break to acknowledge the emotion and how it makes you feel. Don’t judge how you feel just name it. Allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling. It is what it is at that moment.
Step 2:
remind yourself that there are difficult days and that negative emotions are naturals and normal. It is part of being human beings. Everyone feel that way sometimes. Humans have a complex and immense ability to feel many emotions. Positive emotions such as love, care, hope, pride, and negative ones as well.
Step 3:
be kind to yourself
By not pushing the emotions away and not seeing them as weakness of human being, we make space to accept it and find compassion for our own pain. Ask yourself these questions:
Now that you answered it, take action and just do it.