The Self-Talk Workout: 6 Science-Backed Strategies to Dissolve Self-Criticism
Aug 15, 2023
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Psychologist Rachel Turrow discusses the detrimental effects of self-criticism, the power of affirmations and loving kindness meditation, and overcoming negative self-talk and imposter feelings. The podcast also covers taking breaks from social media and dealing with self-critical individuals.
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Quick takeaways
Excessive self-criticism can negatively impact mental health, relationships, and energy levels.
Cultivating self-compassion requires intention, practice, and reframing negative thoughts.
Deep dives
Self-Talk Workouts: Creating a New Pattern of Self-Compassion
Psychologist Rachel Turrow shares six self-talk workouts to help cultivate self-compassion. Excessive self-criticism is a common struggle that negatively impacts mental health, energy levels, jobs, and relationships. Turrow's exercises aim to tackle nagging self-criticism and promote self-kindness and encouragement. The exercises include: Spot the Success, a reflection on accomplishments; Act Before You Think, taking action even when motivation is lacking; Mindfulness and Loving Kindness Meditations to reduce self-judgment; Single Breath exercise using affirmations; and the Self-Compassion Break, a technique for handling difficult feelings. Practicing these exercises can create positive mental health habits and improve overall well-being.
The Negative Effects of Self-Criticism
Excessive self-criticism is linked to various mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, addictions, and self-harm. Self-criticism can become a damaging habit that adversely affects mental well-being. Recognizing the harmful impact of self-criticism is key to understanding the importance of cultivating self-compassion and implementing self-talk workouts to counteract negative self-talk.
The Challenges of Cultivating Self-Compassion
Cultivating self-compassion can be challenging due to learned behaviors and societal influences. People may have observed and internalized self-criticism from their environment, including negative body image perpetuated by social media. The culture of competition and comparison also contributes to self-criticism. The goal is to reframe mindset and practice self-kindness, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Developing self-compassion requires intention, practice, and reframing negative thoughts.
Strategies for Responding to Self-Critical Individuals
Responding to self-critical individuals can be challenging. One approach is to validate their pain and empathize with their feelings. Sharing personal experiences of similar feelings can sometimes help, but it's essential to gauge whether it is effective for the individual. It is important to set boundaries and consider personal well-being when continuously interacting with self-critical individuals. Finding activities that can shift the focus away from negative self-talk and encourage positive experiences may be more beneficial.
Perhaps you want to be nicer to yourself but don’t really know how to get there. Or maybe you’re someone who assumes self-criticism is a permanent part of your personality. Rest assured you’re not alone—millions of people struggle with the toll that excessive self-criticism takes on their minds, energy levels, jobs, and relationships. Psychologist and author, Rachel Turow, of The Self-Talk Workout is here to help us tackle nagging self-criticism with six techniques.
This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
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