We run the risk when we take all of our positive behaviors for granted that they don't matter to us. We kind of feel bad about ourselves, because we only see ourselves as not doing what we needed to do. To counteract that emphasis on what we haven't done, how we're not doing enough, there's a practice that I like called spot the success.
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
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