Self-Compassion: The Key to Sustainable Self-Care

At MäksēLife, we're all about embracing self-care and infusing our days with a little extra love for ourselves (we're even hosting a Self-Care Challenge this month on Instagram!).

The thing is, self-care is a concept that goes beyond the face masks and bubble baths that are often the examples portrayed online and in our everyday life. True self-care is an intricate tapestry woven from threads of physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

While self-care is a concept that we could talk about for months on end, today we wanted to touch on what we believe is the key to sustainable self-care: Self-Compassion.

Self-compassion is about being kind to yourself, acknowledging your struggles, and understanding that you're not alone. It's about recognizing when you're having a rough time and saying, "Hey, it's okay. I've got my own back". Because, let's face it, we're all in this together, stumbling and picking ourselves back up along the way.

Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same tenderness and understanding that you would your best friend. And you know what? It's a game-changer for keeping up with self-care.

Ever noticed how forgetting to be kind to yourself can throw a wrench in your day? Maybe you skipped a workout and spent the day feeling guilty, or you were a tad harsh on yourself for a small mistake at work.

These moments can quickly add up, making it tough to stay positive and motivated as the day goes on.

Here's where the magic happens: practicing self-compassion. It can be as simple as pausing for a mindful moment, giving yourself a pep talk, or jotting down a few kind words in your journal. 

These little acts of kindness towards yourself can light up your whole day and make self-care feel oh-so-doable. 

Unsure where to start? Here are some tips for weaving self-compassion into your daily routine:

Start and end your day with intention

Use your Daily Intentions and Evening Reflections journals to set a compassionate tone for your day and reflect on it with kindness each night.

Practice mindful self-talk

Catch yourself when you're being self-critical and gently redirect your inner dialogue. For example, instead of thinking "I can't believe I messed up," try "It's okay to make mistakes, I can learn from this."

Give yourself permission to pause

Whenever you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that it's okay to take breaks. Use this time to check in with yourself and ask, "What do I need right now?".

Review your to do list

Take a look at your planner (your weekly actions and how you've filled your day). Are you putting too much on your plate for this season? Are you setting yourself up for disappointment with the expectations you've put on yourself? Adjusting your expectations can help reduce self-imposed pressure and stress.

Start a Gratitude Practice

At the end of each day, jot down 3 things you're grateful for in your Evening Reflections Journal (Some of our community members also use the space at the bottom of each day, marked by our compass wheel, in their planners for this!). Focusing on gratitude each day can shift your focus from what you're lacking to appreciating the abundance surrounding you.

By weaving these practices into your daily life, you'll not only enhance your relationship with yourself, but also create a more fulfilling and compassionate life.

Remember, the journey to self-compassion is ongoing, and every step, no matter how small, is a step towards a kinder, gentler you.

Need some inspiration for adding self-care to your day? Check out our FREE ClubMäksē Training, "Creating a Self-Care Toolkit"!  Don't wait, this training goes away at the end of the month! Click here to watch it!