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Bremen experts urge self‑compassion to curb perfectionism
Psychotherapist Nathalie Claus of the Institute for Psychology at the University of Bremen warns that relentless self‑optimisation can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. She recommends developing self‑compassion – treating oneself like a good friend, acknowledging that perfection is unattainable, and learning to say no when demands become overwhelming.
Sociologist Sarah Pritz adds that perfectionist habits often generate chronic stress, fatigue, and can contribute to depression or sleep problems. Both experts advise avoiding unrealistic goals, reducing self‑criticism, and, if needed, deleting tracking apps to focus on bodily cues rather than constant metrics. The guidance aims to help individuals step back from obsessive performance tracking and adopt healthier, more balanced habits.
Entities
Bremen · Nathalie Claus · Sarah Pritz · University of Bremen · self‑compassion · self‑optimisation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 9 SOURCES] Nathalie Claus is a psychotherapist at the Institute for Psychology, University of Bremen. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Learning to say no when overwhelmed helps avoid guilt. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Using the phrase “I have done what was possible for me” is recommended instead of self‑criticism. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Self‑compassion involves treating oneself like a good friend and using kinder language. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Excessive self‑optimisation can cause physical and mental exhaustion. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Sarah Pritz says self‑optimisation becomes a problem when it harms the individual. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Perfectionism is inherently problematic according to Nathalie Claus. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] The advice is presented as practical guidance, not a medical diagnosis of self‑optimisation mania. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.marler-zeitung.de · www.dk-online.de · +4 more