Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout: Tools to Help You Heal and Recharge When You're Wrung Out by Stress

by Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer, Christine M. Benton

"I'm tired of feeling stressed out every day." "I can't stand having so little impact, despite caring so much and working so hard." "I just don't have anything left to give." Over years of developing and teaching their renowned Mindful Self-Compassion program, Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer have found MSC to be uniquely helpful for people struggling with the soul-draining depletion of burnout--from health care professionals, teachers, and caregivers, to tapped-out business owners and employees. Each chapter in this engaging book offers an empathic story of someone stretched to their limits and an easily digestible bite of self-compassion that culminates in a simple anti-burnout tool based on MSC practices. Learn quick and powerful ways to recharge your batteries, de-stress, and, above all, be kind to yourself--so you can be there for others.
 

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Health, Personal Development

221 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Kristin Neff is Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion almost twenty years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the books Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive and Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals. Her newest work focuses on how to balance self-acceptance with the courage to make needed change.

Reviews

[Pooja Sathyanarayanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book for professional reasons, but it ended up helping me both professionally and personally. I was burning out researching burnout (it is for a side-project that is in addition to what I do for work full-time). This book soothed me, helped me process the stress & self-criticism I was subjecting myself to, helped me set boundaries, and treat myself the way I’d treat a close friend or colleague. It is so thoughtfully, accessibly written, it personifies the warmth, gentleness, and nudge toward action the self-compassion tools in the book embody. Highly, highly, recommend.

[Kris Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best tools for coping with burnout I've ever encountered. Combines the research on burnout in brief with direct tools for coping with it. And, speaks from the heart directly to the reader with yes, compassion. A must read.

[Magdalena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of the top 3 of the best non-fiction books I‘ve ever read. It deepened the knowledge about how to answer burnout/depression that I gained in over a year of therapy and in contact with several specialists. (If you’re affected by burnout or depression,) this book is definitely WORTH every penny!!! I even think this topic should be taught at school and everyone can benefit from understanding what compassion is and how to apply it in everyday life.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had a quite severe burnout that has lasted more than a year and have tried a combination of therapies including ACT, CBT, and etc to get me through. I find MSC the most helpful, and this book is a concise, and well written resource which enables you to integrate it in your life. I find it a simple intuitive framework that's easy to follow and connects/ integrates with these other therapies. I now try to pause throughout my day when I'm dealing with a challenge, and intentionality respond in healthier ways by considering the three aspects of self compassion. I also find it especially works for me as I am a naturally compassionate and empathetic person, so I find it's easier if you have this in you to turn the compassionate inwards, and have recommended this therapy to like-minded friends. Life is still difficult and painful, but slowly but surely self compassion is helping me reduce the suffering where possible.

[Amanda Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book since I first heard it would be coming out. As a burned out healthcare worker, this book is exactly what I needed for myself and to share with my coworkers and clients.

[em palmerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book, as someone with a background and understanding of MSC, felt like it was just what the doctor ordered. Highly recommend this for everyone in caring professions, even if you’re not already burnt out.

[Phyllida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book for me to read while feeling burnt out as a carer for my Mum who has dementia. I had got locked into perfectionism and the exercise in this book helped me start to release my expectation that I should be able to solve all Mum's problems.

[Whitney Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A self-help book that's actually helpful. My therapist recommended a book by one of these doctors and this actually gave me some good, practical advice on dealing with burnout.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really practical read (excellent as an audio book); lots of simple tools to help manage stress.

[Shannon Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great strategies in here. Easy to understand even when explaining the science behind self compassion.

[Chuck Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.

The best resource for self-compassion. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the field, or to anyone needing self-compassion.