Serenity Sphere
SELF-Compassion
Tina Spagnola, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC
Welcome to the Serenity Sphere. This quarter, we will focus on the concept of self-compassion. It is often observed that we are more critical and less forgiving toward ourselves than we would be towards others. Consider how you respond to your own mistakes—whether it's forgetting an item requested by a patient, failing to follow up with a colleague, or missing a deadline. In such instances, do you engage in self-talk similar to that of a supportive friend or do you adopt the role of a harsh critic?
Research indicates that practicing self-compassion can significantly mitigate anxiety and depression, thereby enhancing overall mental health. Embracing self-compassion fosters resilience and adaptability in challenging situations. Individuals who develop this quality tend to find greater meaning in their work; they fear failure less and thus exhibit increased creativity in problem-solving (Harrison, 2022).
So, what exactly is self-compassion? At its core, it involves treating yourself as kindly as you would treat a friend facing similar circumstances. When a friend makes an error, you wouldn't scold them; rather, you'd offer kindness and understanding while perhaps assisting them in finding solutions if necessary. A more comprehensive definition encompasses three elements: self-kindness (being gentle with oneself), common humanity (recognizing that everyone experiences mistakes), and mindfulness (maintaining awareness) (Mindful Magazine: Healthy Mind, Healthy Life 2024).
A variety of resources are available to support the practice of self-compassion. Below is an overview of it the key components:
- Self-Kindness
- Treating oneself with the same warmth and understanding one would extend to a friend.
- Granting yourself the grace you offer others.
- Approaching your own challenges with compassion and understanding.
- Common Humanity
- Acknowledging that making mistakes is part of the human experience.
- Recognizing that others share similar feelings, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Understanding that we are all interconnected in our struggles and experiences.
- Mindfulness
- Maintaining emotional balance without yielding to overthinking.
- Striving to keep a balanced perspective on situations.
It is important to dispel common myths surrounding self-compassion; it does not promote excessive optimism, passivity, or an inability to learn from mistakes. Rather, it offers a compassionate approach to addressing challenges rather than resorting to harshness, which fosters openness and motivation. Furthermore, engaging in self-compassion can enhance resilience rather than undermine self-confidence.
In healthcare settings, practicing self-compassion can mitigate feelings of fatigue and burnout often experienced by professionals. It serves as an essential form of self-care—an invaluable tool within our professional toolkit. As healthcare providers, prioritizing our well-being allows us not only to care for ourselves but also enables us to provide high-quality care for our patients while rekindling the passion that originally inspired us in our nursing careers.
November will be the last SPN Serenity Sphere for 2024, share your thoughts for topics and ideas, or let me know how your own journey is going using some of these past topics. [email protected]
Harrison, S. (2022b, December 12). What does self-compassion really mean? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/12/what-does-self-compassion-really-mean
Hofmeyer, A., Taylor, R., & Kennedy, K. (2020). Knowledge for nurses to better care for themselves so they can better care for others during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Nurse education today, 94, 104503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104503
How to be more compassionate: A mindful guide to compassion. Mindful, healthy mind, healthy life. (2024, July 16). https://www.mindful.org/how-to-be-more-compassionate-a-mindful-guide-to-compassion/
Moore, C. (2024, July 11). How to practice self-compassion: 8 techniques and tips. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/how-to-practice-self-compassion/#8-tips-and-techniques-for-practicing-self-compassion