Practising self-compassion is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall well-being and mental health. It involves treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and patience that you would offer to a friend in times of difficulty. Self-compassion is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient and acknowledge that it’s okay to struggle at times. As you practise self-compassion, you may notice an improvement in your self-esteem, resilience, and overall well-being.

Here are some steps to help you cultivate self-compassion:

Start by becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness assists in observing your inner experiences without getting carried away by them. Empowering you to acknowledge your feelings without attaching negative labels to them.

Pay attention to your self-talk and replace self-criticism with kind and gentle words. Imagine speaking to yourself as you would to a close friend. Treat yourself with the same understanding and support that you would offer them.
Recognise that making mistakes and facing challenges is an essential part of living. Instead of ruminating on mistakes, practice forgiving yourself and learning from them. Errors don’t define your worth as a person. Mistakes define your current ability in a given task/situation. 

Understand that you’re not alone in experiencing difficulties. Everyone faces challenges, setbacks, and struggles at various points in life. Recognize that your feelings and experiences are part of the shared human experience. Treat yourself with the same care and compassion that you would extend to a friend in need.

Engage in self-soothing activities, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book or going for a walk. Prioritize your well-being and practice self-care.

Write a letter to yourself as if you were writing to a dear friend who is going through a tough time. Show understanding, empathy, and support. This can help you gain perspective and cultivate self-compassion.

Whenever you notice negative self-talk or self-critical thoughts, challenge them. Ask yourself if you would say the same things to a friend. Replace these thoughts with more balanced and compassionate alternatives.
Accept that nobody is perfect, and striving for perfection can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Embrace your imperfections as part of what makes you unique and human. 

Regularly check in with yourself about your emotions, needs, and thoughts. This awareness can help you respond to your experiences with greater compassion and understanding. Engage in mindfulness and self-compassion meditation practices. These can help you develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, compassion, and emotional regulation. 

Below is an excellent guided meditation, which is approximately 10 minutes and helps process tough feelings, experiences or core beliefs.