Contrary to popular belief, self-compassion isn’t self-indulgent, and it doesn’t lead to complacency. “Self-compassion is a big part of connecting to yourself,” Kogan said. “As you do these things note how you are feeling and breathe through the experience.” When tough moments arise in your life, summon these feelings of serenity to help you cope. She also suggested recalling the activities you enjoyed as a child and giving those a try today. According to Kogan, sample activities include: walking in nature petting your dog or cat creating art (focusing on the process, not the product) listening to favorite music and cooking dinner. We also can connect with ourselves through solitude - engaging in solo activities that we find energizing or calming. You also don’t need to “do anything” or fix your feelings - simply notice, she said. “Just like a river that flows by us as we stand on the bank to watch it, our feelings will move through us and pass us by.” Instead of judging yourself, again, focus on observing your feelings and noticing the sensations that arise in your body, she said. “It might feel counterintuitive, but accepting all of your thoughts and emotions - without pushing them away - will actually help you let go of stress and feel more grounded and more awake in the world.”
