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Be Kind to Yourself: The Power of Self-Compassion

Be Kind to Yourself: The Power of Self-Compassion

It’s easy to be your own harshest critic, especially when school, fitness, and life feel overwhelming. But the way we talk to ourselves matters just as much as the actions we take. Research shows that self-compassion, treating yourself with the same care you’d offer a friend, improves resilience, motivation, and mental well-being (Neff, 2021). This February, Campus Recreation’s Wellness & Fitness Wednesday series, brought to you by Move Your Mood explores the importance of kindness toward ourselves, both in and out of movement.

What I’d Say to a Friend

When we make mistakes or fall short, we often speak to ourselves more harshly than we would to anyone else. Flipping the script - asking “what would I tell a friend in this situation?” - creates a more supportive inner dialogue. Studies show this kind of reframing reduces stress and encourages healthier coping strategies (American Psychological Association, 2022).

Bad Days Still Count

Movement doesn’t always look the same, and that’s okay. On low-energy days, choosing rest, gentle stretching, or a short walk still matters. Instead of dismissing these days as failures, they can be seen as necessary parts of balance. Recognizing that even small efforts count helps build consistency without shame (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/a4ysC1uVIZs?feature=share

Encouragement > Guilt

Many of us push ourselves with guilt - “I should be doing more” - but encouragement is a far stronger motivator. Choosing to rest, reset, or move differently isn’t a setback, it’s self-awareness. Shifting from guilt-driven choices to encouragement-driven ones helps make wellness practices sustainable over time (Neff & Germer, 2018).

Your Body Hears Everything

The words we use toward ourselves matter, not only for our mindset but for how we experience movement and rest. Negative self-talk fuels stress and discouragement, while compassionate self-talk fosters motivation and confidence. Treating your body with kindness is a powerful act of respect that improves both mental and physical health (Mind, 2022).

Takeaway

This February, challenge yourself to treat your body and mind like you would treat your closest friend, with patience, kindness, and encouragement. Self-compassion isn’t about lowering standards, it’s about creating the supportive environment you need to grow.

References