The Science of Happiness Happiness Break: A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout
Feeling burned out? Join Dr. Kristen Neff as she guides us through a calming practice to bring kindness and support to ourselves during tough times.
How to Do This Practice:
- Sit in a quiet, comfortable space, close your eyes if you wish, and take deep breaths to center yourself.
- Observe how you’re feeling—physically and emotionally—without judgment.
- Acknowledge your struggle: This is hard. Burnout is a natural human response to stress.
- Offer yourself kindness. Imagine a compassionate voice saying: I’m here for you, you’re doing your best, you’re loved just as you are.
- Let these words fill you with warmth and calm.
- When ready, open your eyes and bring this renewed energy into your day.
Today’s Happiness Break Guide:
Dr. Kristin Neff is an associate professor in the University of Texas at Austin's department of educational psychology. She's also the co-author of 'Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout,' which offers tools to help individuals heal and recharge from burnout.
More Happiness Breaks like this one:
The Healing Power of Your Own Touch: https://tinyurl.com/y4ze59h8
Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/2kr4fjz5
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
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Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y