Techniques for Cultivating Self-Compassion: Self-Kindness, Mindfulness, and Common Humanity

Self-compassion can be practised in brief moments. Care staff do not need long exercises to change the tone of their inner response. The three elements - self-kindness, mindfulness and common humanity - can be used before, during or after difficult shifts.

Three practical habits

• Self-kindness: use language you would offer a respected colleague: "This is hard, and I can take the next step."
• Mindfulness: name the feeling without exaggerating it: "I am noticing guilt" or "frustration is here."
• Common humanity: remember that difficulty, imperfection and emotional reactions are part of care work.

A short check-in can help: What happened? What am I feeling? What would I say to someone else? What is one responsible next step?

Self-compassion is a skill. It becomes easier to access when practised in small, ordinary moments, not only after major stress.