University can be incredibly rewarding, but it definitely has its rough moments too. Heavy workloads, stressful exams, planning your social life – it’s easy to be hard on yourself when times get tough.
That’s why learning to be kind, patient and understanding with yourself is so important in university and practicing self-compassion is not a luxury but a necessity.
What is self-compassion?
Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same warmth and kindness you’d give to a good friend. It’s also knowing that everyone struggles sometimes, and that facing challenges and making mistakes are all part of the human experience. With self-compassion, you can be mindful of your emotions, and acknowledge your feelings and experiences without excessive self-criticism.
Why self-compassion matters at university
When you go through demanding experiences (and university has plenty!), self-compassion helps you handle stress better and makes it easier to bounce back after setbacks instead of dwelling on mistakes. You can feel more confident in yourself, develop healthier relationships and it can help you to take better care of your mental health.
Here are some ways to practice self-compassion:
- Notice if you talk to yourself in harmful ways and turn negative self-talk into positive
- Meditate to become more aware of your feelings with openness and curiosity
- Celebrate little wins – give yourself props for trying your best!
- Set reasonable standards for yourself – don’t expect perfection
- Reach out to supportive friends and family when you need a boost
- Do things you enjoy that make you feel good like cooking, sports, art, whatever!
- Recognise when you need support and make contact with firstpoint to get the help you need
Be your own bestie
Learning to be more self-compassionate takes practice, but it’s one of the most helpful skills you can develop at university. Treat yourself with patience, care and kindness – like you would for your closest friend. You’ll be able to handle challenges with more resilience and enjoy the university journey even more.
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