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Practicing Self-Compassion

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What if I'm feeling totally overwhelmed?

In these extraordinary circumstances, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, or any number of other emotions. Self-compassion can help. 

When you take a warm and supportive attitude towards your adversities and struggles, you’re being self-compassionate. When you recognize your uncomfortable feelings as being part of the human experience, you’re being self-compassionate. Self-compassion may increase your comfort with your personal challenges, your confidence in your ability to grow, and even your motivation to study!

Remember that you’re not alone in your experience. We’re in this together. That’s why Stanford offers so many resources for your well-being, many of which can be found at Vaden Virtual Well-Being.

Practice compassion

Here are some additional ways to practice compassion towards yourself and others when you’re experiencing negative emotions. 

  • Acknowledge the exceptional conditions that you, your classmates, your instructors, and staff are all working under. 

  • Acknowledge that the online interaction of your courses is new, and that we are all likely to experience problems with it and need room to adjust and make mistakes.

  • Decide how much you can emotionally be available to other people, and communicate that to them.

  • Know of a good resource that can provide emotional, financial, or academic support? Share it with friends who might find it helpful. 

  • Be aware that the lenience of a S/NC policy does not mean that your school work will necessarily be stress-free. You may still find the learning challenging. It is okay, even advisable, to seek the emotional and practical support you need.