African-american woman relaxing and listening to music, lying in bed in the morning GettyOver the past couple of years, research has shown that people who practice self-compassion are happier, more productive people who are more likely to form and keep good habits. According to Science Daily a study by the Universities of Exeter and Oxford have found that participating in self-compassion exercises reduces the heart rate, which turns off the body’s threat response. Previous studies illustrated that this threat response damages the immune system, increasing the risk of disease. A 2017 study published in Health Psychology Open found self-compassionate people are better at handling stress than those who are not. Though studies have consistently shown self-compassion is a healthier, more productive path to success, the studies do not always specify the best ways to practice it.

Source: Forbes January 25, 2020 01:52 UTC