Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout

Kristin Neff, PhD, is Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin and a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research. She has been recognized as one of the most influential researchers in psychology worldwide. Her books with Christopher Germer include The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals. Along with Christopher Germer, Dr. Neff developed the empirically supported Mindful Self-Compassion program and founded the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Her website is https://self-compassion.org.Christopher Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Lecturer on Psychiatry (part-time) at Harvard Medical School. His books with Kristin Neff include The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program (for professionals). Dr. Germer is also author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion and coeditor of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy. He lectures and leads workshops internationally and has a small psychotherapy practice in Massachusetts. His website is https://chrisgermer.com.

"When we’re pushed beyond our limits, self-compassion is the most overlooked--yet crucial--medicine we have for regaining resilience, wise perspective, and wholehearted engagement with life. Drawing on their experience as global leaders in the field of self-compassion, Drs. Neff and Germer have created an invaluable toolkit filled with powerful, actionable strategies to transform your relationship with stress."--Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance"This book has been a game-changer for me as far as understanding my burnout patterns and replacing self-criticism with compassionate self-talk. I feel less emotionally exhausted and more connected with myself and my patients."--Alexis R., emergency room nurse, San Diego"A 'must read' for anyone seeking support and renewal, this book helps you navigate the high demands of our world with tender-hearted wisdom. Through scientific research, mindful self-compassion practices, and poignant personal examples, Drs. Neff and Germer illuminate a path for meeting burnout with kindness, mindfulness, and shared humanity."--Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life"This book arrived with perfect timing--I was emerging from a period of burnout and seeking more mindfulness in my life. It reads like a warm note from a good friend. This book definitely belongs in my daily toolkit for adapting and thriving as a highly sensitive person in today’s world."--Cliff A., Cambridge, Massachusetts"Drs. Neff and Germer offer practical strategies and profound insights that can help you cultivate resilience and reclaim your vitality. This book not only helps you recover from burnout, but also empowers you to thrive."--James R. Doty, MD, Founder and Director, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, Stanford University School of Medicine"What a helpful book! It is almost like you are sitting with Drs. Neff and Germer and feeling their kindness and support. You learn about the science of burnout, and how to recover and even grow from it. With stories, practical exercises, deep insights, and lots of encouragement, you are guided step by step to real well-being and open-hearted ways to manage the challenges of life."--Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Resilient"This book skillfully weaves together wisdom, scientific insights, and relatable stories. It helps you recognize and navigate burnout. By normalizing this common struggle, the authors provide a roadmap for healing and personal growth."--Richard Goerling, founder, Mindful Badge Initiative; retired police lieutenant and military veteran-

• Introduction1. When Your Cup Runs Dry: The Causes and Consequences of Burnout2. Replenishing Ourselves: How Self-Compassion Combats Burnout3. A Recipe for Resilience: The Ingredients of Self-Compassion4. It’s Not What You Think: Misgivings about Self-Compassion5. Your Body Knows: The Physiology of Stress and Care6. Warming Up the Conversation: Tender Acceptance7. When Self-Compassion Feels Bad: Working with Backdraft8. Putting Things in Perspective: Mindful Awareness9. Resistance Is Futile: How Fighting Burnout Makes It Worse10. Facing the Storm: Working with the Difficult Emotions of Burnout11. Stopping the Drain: Reducing Empathy Fatigue12. When Good Isn’t Good Enough: Avoiding the Perfectionism Sinkhole13. Why We Beat Ourselves Up: Understanding the Inner Critic14. Doing Something about It: Fierce Self-Compassion in Action15. Drawing a Line in the Sand: Learning How to Say No16. Providing for Ourselves: What Do I Need?17. Rediscovering Meaning: What Are My Core Values?18. Becoming a Wise Inner Coach: Self-Compassionate Motivation19. Goodwill, Not Good Feelings: Cultivating Loving-Kindness20. Small Pleasures: Savoring the Good21. Knowing Our Strengths: The Practice of Self-Appreciation22. Moving Forward: Becoming a Compassionate MessResourcesNotesIndex