The Power of Self-Compassion: 5 Surprising Benefits You Need to Know

Hi, this is me, your fellow human being doing the work too!

Not because I’m a psychologist, CBT trainee and international certified coach that I’ve all my sh** figured out. Most of us, particularly within mental health settings, we are way harder on ourselves than we’d ever be on others, friends, etc. right. Because we are human too!

We push, criticize, overthink…and many more…The only difference is that, for me, I know a “bit more” tools to help me overcome certain stuff. Whether it's engaging is cleaning, going to the gym, doing my garden, reading a book, journaling, or just sitting down on my sofa and gazing at the empty walls.

I carry both strong academic background in mental health, and lived experiences just as strong. Through both, I’ve come to believe that self-compassion isn’t optional, it's essential.

it’s not something we’re born with; it’s something we learn, often through struggle. Often by asking ourselves: whose need are more important – mine or theirs?

See, many of us in this field feel like we’re here to fix others… we go above an beyond, often running on empty cups, thinking that our values come from how much we give. But eventually we learn that maybe nothing needs fixing. Maybe people are just right where they are.

So, self-compassion comes with its own benefit. And it worths practicing, even on the rainy days, because:

1. It calms your inner critic, not fuels it

I used to think that being kind to myself will make me lazy. Like I'd be wasting time instead of doing something more useful. And went on.  But research says the opposite: self-compassion helps reduce harsh self-talk, which actually increases motivation. You're more likely to try again when you don’t fear punishing yourself.

2. It lowers anxiety and stress

Self-compassion helps activate your soothing system. You know, the part of your brain that helps regulate threat and calm your nervous system. Think of it as an internal “it’s okay” hug when things feel like too much.

3. It boosts emotional resilience

Ah yes, this one! Life knocks us down. It knocked me down many times, and honestly, it still does. But self-compassion is one of the tools that helps us get back up – not because we’re untouched by the pain, but because we choose to meet it with understanding, not judgment.

4. It strengthens relationships.

When you’re less self-critical, you’re less reactive (a huge lesson for me)! You can actually be present with others without projecting your own shame - and yeah, that one stings, especially for my fellow people-pleasers. But it's true. Compassion inward often spills outward (still a working in progress over here).

5. It’s a powerful tool for healing.

Yes! Particularly in therapy and trauma recovery. This is where self-compassion becomes a safe base - a place to land when the work feels heavy.

To conclude, you don’t have to feel ready. You don’t even have to believe you “deserve” it yet. Just start with something like: “What would I say to a friend feeling what I’m feeling right now?” Then say that… to yourself.

It’s not a cliche. It’s science. And it really works. Try it out!