A lot of people live in that space of putting themselves down all the time. The good news is that understanding the science of the mind can point us all back in the right direction. Author Rachel Turo says we should do training drills, not just for our biceps and thighs, but also to tone up those harsh voices inside our heads.
Lots of us hit the gym in January to get fit - but should we also be exercising our minds in preparation for tough times? A daily "self-talk workout" might be just as beneficial as squats and push-ups, says Seattle University psychology professor Rachel Turow.
By practicing simple self-compassion exercises each day - such as breathing techniques - we can prepare for future challenges when we'll need those tools to help us tackle crippling self-criticism or paralyzing sorrow.
Further reading: The Self Talk Workout by Rachel Turow
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.