Self-Care for Everyone!
~Be self-aware and remember your self-care~
by your School Counsellor, Ms. Caroline Brennan RCC, CCC.
Be kinder....to yourself...!
This week, one of the predominant themes that has arisen from all sectors of the education world, has been, “I should”
I should have said this, or done that, or remembered to use that tool, or brought my better resources in, or waited in line properly, or chosen a different option for work, or social distanced more...and on and on it goes...
Why are we so hard on ourselves? We are all doing the best we can in any given situation, based on the tools we remembered to use, in that moment. Hindsight is 20/20. If you want to do better, next time, that’s great! Allowing yourself the compassion to be kinder to yourself, can have benefits that are further reaching than you might realise. This week, try to find kinder ways to connect with yourself.
Self Compassion
6 Ways to Exercise Self-Compassion
The Ability to Show Yourself Empathy 💗
~~~Self-compassion is vital for adults. It reduces anxiety and depression. It’s been linked to greater well-being, emotional coping skills and compassion for others. Unfortunately, many of us have a hard time practicing self-compassion. Instead we default to blaming, shaming, and bashing ourselves. We assume that self-criticism is a more effective approach. (It’s not.)~~~ (quote from article, below)
Kristin Neff: The Three Components of Self-Compassion
Children learn by watching. Using the correct words to describe how you are feeling, could replace your outward self-talk, and can teach kids to normalize emotions (and mistakes!)
Pbs.org have really great resources to get you started!
~when we remove the shame from big emotions, we reinforce that emotions are ok. We are more open to learning when the shame is gone. For ourselves and our children.~
Remembering that some things are beyond our control, can really help us to let go of the “could have, should have” mentality, and focus on the things we CAN control. The image below, is the most recent free printable from BIG LIFE JOURNAL. You can subscribe to them and receive free printable resources, weekly!
Action for Happiness also have excellent resources on self “-care and self-compassion!
Learn Self-Compassion through your Emotions, Strengths and Weaknesses.
We are all good at something. Some things are easy and some things are a struggle. The more you understand yourself, the easier it is to give yourself a break!