So why not show yourself the same compassion?

According to Mercedes Timko, MD, Penn Medicine’s Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Department, many people have trouble embracing self-compassion, even though it’s central to our emotional health.

“Without self-compassion, it’s difficult to foster any kind of mental-emotional wellness,” Dr Timko says.

While there are lots of interpretations of self-compassion, at its core it’s being kind and understanding toward yourself, especially in the wake of an experience you perceive as a failure or shortcoming. It’s also about learning to accept painful thoughts and emotions, rather than avoiding them or feeling sorry for yourself.

Dr Timko offers these tips for improving your self-compassion and enhancing your emotional health.