A recent study has shed light on the power of self-compassion in boosting mental well-being, particularly for college students facing the constant pressures of academics, work, and extracurricular activities. The study explored the effectiveness of a simple technique called self-compassionate touch, comparing it to a control group engaged in finger-tapping exercises.
In the self-compassionate touch exercise, participants gently placed their hand over their heart or another body part while focusing on warmth and comfort. This practice was carried out for just 20 seconds each day for a month. The results were compelling. Students who engaged in self-compassionate touch reported feeling better about themselves even after the very first session. After a month, they experienced a significant increase in self-compassion, a noticeable decrease in stress, and a marked improvement in their overall mental health compared to the control group.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychology expert, highlighted the surprising effectiveness of this simple exercise. She compared its benefits to the long-term impact of therapy. “It’s an interesting but not surprising study. Performing this short-lived, self-compassionate touch daily was highly effective, almost as if you were seeing a therapist long term,” Dr. Hafeez shared with CNN.
However, Dr. Hafeez emphasized that while self-compassionate touch is a valuable tool, it should not be considered a replacement for professional therapy, especially for individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions. Instead, she recommends it as an additional resource for self-care.
Dr. Susan Evans, another expert, echoed the study’s valuable insights into how short self-compassion exercises can positively impact well-being. She acknowledged that this approach can be particularly helpful for those who struggle to maintain longer mindfulness routines. The beauty of practicing self-compassion lies in its accessibility. Just 20 seconds a day can make a significant difference in mental health. Integrating this practice into daily routines, such as after brushing teeth, allows individuals to experience the benefits of kindness towards themselves, similar to how they would treat a close friend.
