Neff Kristin opines that you should indulge yourself the same way you do to a worthy friend. Sadly, 80% of the individual’s world over indulge others with better consideration than they do for themselves. You will tend to support a friend who has had a miserable day and beat yourself up when you mess up through self-criticism. As noted by Mypaperwriter.com, it even gets worse for teens when they find themselves in such a position. So how do you encourage teens to be more self-considerate?
Ways to assist Teens in being Extra Self-Considerate
Teens are extra aware during pubescence as a result of enhanced cognitive capability. They believe others are just as aware as they are, breeding punitive self-criticism. It is this criticism that leads to the importance of the need for teens to get self-compassion. So how would you achieve this?
- Common humanity. It helps teens appreciate the fact that they have a support system and are not isolated. Sharing of experiences, including feelings of exclusion, insecurity, and sadness, among others in all teens (as much as it might not seem like that). That their opinions have a biological backing owing to brain changes as they develop, they understand that the fault isn’t theirs and they are okay.
- Mindfulness. There are moments a teen feels overwhelmed and about to explode from the cumulated emotions within. Impart them with the technique of redirecting their focus to their feet. To concentrate on the soles of their feet and how they feel. Then lead them back to the right focus when their minds wander.
- Self-kindness. Guide teens to do simple acts of kindness for themselves. Actions such as to put a hand over their heart, to hug themselves or stroke their cheek activates specific hormones. Hormones like opiates or oxytocin can make them have a better feeling. You should also jog their memory that their experiences at the moment are hard and, by definition, means a teen has to deal with a lot of things. Embolden them through encouragement. Show them it’s okay to do something pleasant for themselves and have moments to say kind words as well.
- Most important of all, let the teens understand that the dispensation as excruciating as it is doesn’t have to be. Let them know there is always a viable option to overcome their pain, that they can do better on several fronts.
The benefit of Self Compassion
Through research, outcomes have proven that teens get protection from trauma through self-compassion. They also insulate themselves against peer victimization, low self-esteem, self-harm, and depression.
Studies also show contrary to popular belief among some individuals that self-compassion enhances motivation to develop. Individuals confront their shortfalls instead of sweeping them under the rug. It also improves consideration toward others instead of promoting self-pity and selfishness.
Research also shows how critical self-compassion is to mental health, especially in teens during a time where suicide rates and depression have soared.
Conclusion
Teens comprise a portion of the population demographic that will be the immediate future parents, leaders, and professionals. Proper care for teens is essential in boosting their self-worth and confidence. Hold their hands and teach them about the importance of self-compassion. It will improve their awareness and appreciation, and in turn, this will translate to better compassion for others in the future.
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