What is Self-Compassion vs. Self-Care?
It’s not uncommon to read posts about self-compassion and self-care quite often. And in our opinion, they are good things to have buzzing around the internet! But we wanted to make a post to share the difference between these two, and also to convey how powerful these two practices can be when partnered together.
“We sometimes use ‘self-care’ as a proxy for ‘self-compassion.’ But they’re actually different concepts. Self-compassion is regarding yourself compassionately. Self-care, by contrast, is treating yourself compassionately. The two terms sound interchangeable, but they contain a thinking versus doing distinction.”
When in the NICU, it’s not uncommon for well-meaning people to encourage NICU moms to take care of themselves! Practice self-care! Get a pedicure! And while these things are all wonderful things, without the important element of self-compassion, our best efforts to take care of ourselves can leave us feeling more drained and less fulfilled than before. So how do we blend the two?
Start small.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed ask, “what can I do for myself in this moment?” Maybe it’s grabbing a drink of water, or calling a friend, or taking a shower. And if we refer back to the pedicure example, instead of simply “getting out of the hospital for a spa day”, take a moment to acknowledge how you are doing in the present moment. It can sound something like this: “In this present moment, I am feeling overwhelmed. Because I am worthy of love and care, I am going to listen to my body and take a moment away from the hospital and treat myself to a pedicure.”
When we practice both self-compassion and self-care together, we acknowledge ourselves compassionately while also doing something that fuels us. This type of practice doesn’t always feel natural right away, but over time can be a really beautiful way to care for and love yourself.
Read more stories of hope.
