A Self-Compassion session was held as a virtual workshop on September 17 to help students develop positive thinking and self-care techniques.
Deborah Miller-Calvert, the Director of Student Health and Student Life, said that the Healthy Vikings initiative targets both physical and mental health needs for students.
The workshop presented questions that led to vulnerability and unlocking the true definition of self-compassion, with the ultimate goal of staying positive during tough times.
“Students balance a lot and work really hard, therefore they need to be compassionate with themselves. Take care of yourself, forgive yourself, and give yourself a break,” Miller-Calvert said.
“Be mindful and reflective,” said Miller-Calvert, advising students to take at least 15 minutes out of each morning to just be present and journal. As a journal entry, she recommended students write about five things they are grateful for.
LBCC student Kathy Taing reflected on her definition of self-compassion and said she appreciates the workshops that aim to help with mental and emotional stress for students.
“Self-compassion means being kind to yourself even on your bad days where you feel like loving yourself a little less. It is important to love yourself fully and never doubt yourself,” Taing said.
“What keeps me positive as a student are my friends and teachers who are very motivational and helpful when I am feeling down,” said Taing.
Taing said that she finds that workshops are necessary for those who may not have that access at home, and LBCC does a great job at providing those tools.
The workshop also suggested students give thanks and be thankful for anyone who has helped along an individual’s journey of self-love and self-compassion, emphasizing that this is a great tool to practice while uplifting others as well.
The workshop also said that most importantly, it is best to offer yourself kindness and bring yourself to a peaceful state of mind where you feel the importance of positive words.
Doing positive activities daily, taking deep breaths and visualizing yourself in a positive state was also advised to get the mind back on track and develop self-compassion.
