Self-Compassion: The Kindness We Owe Ourselves

When was the last time you spoke to yourself the way you would a friend?

For many of us, self-care feels easier when it’s about actions—eating well, moving our bodies, getting enough rest. But there’s one element that often gets overlooked, yet is just as essential to our well-being: Self-Compassion.

That’s why Self-Compassion is a vital pillar of my Self-Care Wheel, alongside nutrition, movement, rest, and joy. Because true well-being isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we treat ourselves in the process.

💖 What Is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion is the practice of extending the same kindness, understanding, and patience to ourselves that we naturally give to others. It means letting go of perfectionism, softening our inner critic, and recognising that we are human—flaws and all.

Rather than judging ourselves harshly, self-compassion allows us to:

🌿 Acknowledge struggles without shame
🤍 Respond to setbacks with kindness, not criticism
💬 Speak to ourselves with warmth, instead of harshness
🌟 Recognise that imperfection is part of being human

🧠 The Science Behind Self-Compassion & Mental Health

Studies show that people who practice self-compassion experience lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Why? Because self-compassion releases oxytocin, the same "love hormone" that promotes feelings of safety and connection.

It also reduces cortisol, our body’s stress hormone, helping us regulate emotions more effectively. In short, self-compassion builds resilience—allowing us to bounce back from challenges with more grace and less self-blame.

✨ How Self-Compassion Fits Into the Self-Care Wheel

Self-compassion isn’t just a mindset—it’s an active form of self-care, woven into everything we do. When we apply self-compassion to the other pillars of the Self-Care Wheel, we transform the way we show up for ourselves:

💬 Nutrition: Eating to nourish, not to punish. No guilt, no shame—just honoring what fuels you.
🏃‍♀️ Movement: Exercising because it feels good, not as a way to “fix” yourself.
😴 Rest: Allowing yourself to pause, without guilt or the pressure to "earn" relaxation.
🎉 Joy: Making time for what truly makes you happy, not just what’s "productive."

💡 Simple Ways to Practice Self-Compassion Daily

Ready to start showing yourself more kindness? Here are small shifts that make a BIG difference:

✔ Flip the script – Catch your inner critic & rewrite the narrative. Speak to yourself the way you would a friend.
✔ Celebrate progress, not perfection – Growth is messy, mistakes are inevitable—and that’s okay.
✔ Prioritise self-care without guilt – You deserve rest, joy, and nourishment—always.
✔ Drop the comparison trap – Your journey is yours. No one else’s.
✔ Forgive yourself – If you're struggling, acknowledge it with kindness, not judgment.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Kindness Starts With You

We show kindness to everyone else—why not ourselves?

Self-compassion isn’t about letting ourselves off the hook—it’s about holding space for imperfection, struggle, and growth. It’s about choosing kindness over criticism, every single time.

So tell me—what’s ONE way you’ll practice self-compassion this week? Let’s chat in the comments!