Here's the self-care and self-love connection you've been missing! Know more about it here…

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Happy Friday! Welcome to today’s edition of “Mindfulness by Miles.” Each Friday, I write health- and mindfulness- related articles, book reviews, and future of work (FoW) topics. My goal is to help you grow and improve as an individual, both in terms of your career and personal life. In this article, let’s focus on the connection between mindfulness and self-compassion. Read on to learn the relation between these two concepts and how you can better exercise these two virtues in your life. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Here's the self-care and self-love connection you've been missing! Know more about it here… In a fast-paced, often demanding life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and overly critical of yourself. You juggle countless responsibilities and strive for perfection, yet frequently neglect one of the most critical aspects of your well-being: Your own inner peace. BUT! Here’s good news: With mindfulness coupled with self-compassion, you’ll be able to experience solace and strength in both your work life and personal life. Let’s get into this concept in detail… The Power of Mindfulness Mindfulness is like an anchor that keeps your ship steady amid a storm. It’s about tuning into the present moment without judgment or distraction. When you practice mindfulness, you’re basically becoming the observer of your own life, taking a step back to witness your thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise. For instance: You’re feeling overwhelmed at work. Deadlines are looming, your inbox is overflowing, and stress is threatening to destroy your peace. In this moment, mindfulness encourages you to pause, take a deep breath, and acknowledge what you’re experiencing without trying to change it. In such a state, you become fully present with your feelings of stress and understand that they are just temporary and part of the human experience. Now, let’s introduce mindfulness’ “partner in crime”… The Beauty of Self-Compassion Picture self-compassion as your comforting friend who tells you, “It's okay; you’re only human.” Basically, self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a dear friend facing a tough time. Besides, when life throws curveballs your way, it’s your self-compassion that steps in to remind you it’s normal to stumble and fall. So, instead of berating yourself for your shortcomings, offer a gentle, supportive hand to your own self. Recognize that suffering is part of the shared human experience, and you’re not alone in your struggles. Let’s look at some of the benefits when mindfulness and self-compassion become a dynamic duo: Reduced Stress: Mindfulness helps you manage stress by keeping you grounded in the present moment, while self-compassion softens the blow of self-criticism and judgment. Improved Mental Health: Mindfulness and self-compassion help enhance your mental well-being, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase your overall emotional resilience. Enhanced Self-Acceptance: Mindfulness coupled with self-compassion nurtures a healthy self-image, fostering self-acceptance and self-love. Greater Empathy: As you become kinder to yourself, you naturally become more empathetic and compassionate toward others. So, now that you know what mindfulness and self-compassion are all about, as well as their benefits, the next question to answer is: “How can I combine these ‘superpowers’ to improve my life?” Allow me to share with you a step-by-step guide: Start with mindfulness. Begin your journey by embracing mindfulness. Dedicate a few minutes each day to simply sit in silence, focusing on your breath or sensations in your body. This practice will help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Observe without judgment. As you practice mindfulness, observe also your inner critic. When self-criticism arises, don’t fight it; instead, acknowledge it without judgment. Mindfulness helps you recognize these unhelpful patterns and change them for the better. Invite self-compassion into your life: When you notice your inner critic at work, invite self-compassion to the picture and treat yourself as you would a friend in a similar situation. Offer kind words, understanding, and support to yourself. Cultivate common humanity. Always remember that you’re not alone in your struggles. Every human being faces challenges and setbacks. Embrace your commonalities with others in your experience, knowing that imperfection is what makes you beautifully human. Practice self-compassion daily. Make self-compassion a daily practice. Whether you’re facing stress at work, a personal setback, or a tough day, choose self-compassion as your go-to response. I hope you find today’s topic helpful and insightful! Overall, mindfulness and self-compassion are not just buzzwords but powerful tools to transform your life. They help you navigate the storms of existence with grace, resilience, and a gentler perspective. So, embark on this journey and discover the magic of this dynamic duo for yourself! You’ll see—your inner peace and well-being will thank you for doing so. Have a great Friday, everyone! Stay tuned next week for another awesome health- and mindfulness-related tip.