86. Self-Compassion: You Are Not Alone (Depression and Anxiety Coping Skills Podcourse)

Self-compassion is the secret sauce to making positive changes in your life. It really is a primary fuel for transformation. In this episode, we're diving deep into the third aspect of self-compassion, which is all about common humanity versus isolation. In our previous episodes, we explored self-compassion from different angles. We learned how to separate ourselves from our thoughts and be kinder to ourselves when we stumble. But today, we're tackling the gnarly feeling of not belonging, of isolation, and how to overcome it.

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Reminders from this episode:

• We all go through tough times and suffering is part of the shared human experience. The key is to recognize that we are not alone in our struggles.

• Our bodies are designed for soothing and comforting. When you're feeling upset, try simple self-soothing techniques like a gentle hand on your heart or squeezing the base of your thumb and first finger. You'd be amazed at how this can help you feel better.

• We also touch on how important it is to soothe ourselves internally with self-compassion. It's the tenderness and care we show ourselves, just as we would to a loved one in need.

Links and Sources:

• This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Page to find all the episodes. However, these episodes can be listened to in any order and you can take action with any strategy that you feel connected to. 

•  Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.

•  Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at Joylab.coach for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.

•  Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: Bookshop.org

• More on self-compassion:
  • Self-Compassion: Don't Believe Everything You Think About Yourself (podcourse bonus replay) [Joy Lab Podcast episode 84]
  • Self-Compassion: Self-Kindness vs Self-Judgment (podcourse bonus replay) [Joy Lab Podcast episode 85]
  • You're Wired for Compassion [Joy Lab Podcast episode 7]
  • Backdraft: When Being Good to Yourself Feels Bad [Joy Lab Podcast episode 29]

On Jan 1st, 2025, the Joy Lab Podcast and Program moved from Natural Mental Health to the nonprofit Pathways North.

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