Let’s play a game. List off the things that you love. You’re probably thinking of your partner, family, and friends. Maybe you named your children, furbabies (aka pets), your career, or a co-worker. You may have even considered a meal, a hobby, or a passion. The list goes on and on. But I think you forgot something. Did you even think about naming yourself?
Sure, you may love yourself, but why do you think of yourself last when it comes to naming off a list of things you love? Why do you so easily forget about yourself and your own needs? Why is it so much easier to support your family, friends, and loved ones more than yourself?
Here are three tips to combat self-criticism.
1. Practice Self-Care
Self-criticism can have a negative impact on your daily routine and overall mood. There is a huge mind-body connection, which means that if you spend a little extra time giving your body a little TLC, it can help your overall health and wellness in positive ways.
Self-care means taking care of your basic human needs. Eat healthy and well-balanced meals that are filled with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates each and every day. Drink enough water. Limit any unnecessary sugar or alcohol, but also realize that a little in moderation is okay from time to time. Self-care also means moving your body. You don’t have to head to the gym for hours on end, but find time to move your body for at least thirty minutes each day. Go for a walk outside. Hop on your bicycle. Sign up for a yoga class with a friend. Do whatever movement makes you happy.
Make sure you’re making time for yourself each day to rest, relax, and recover. You want to aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night. This means going to bed at the same time each night and waking up around the same time each morning. You can also practice self-care by going to your routine doctor appointments, scheduling a facial or a nail appointment, or getting a massage.
2. Start Journaling
When you start thinking of a negative thought, try to interrupt or replace those thoughts. You can even actually say the word “stop.” Next time this happens to you, write down your negative thoughts on paper.
Think about why this critical and negative thought even came to mind in the first place. Write down why this way of thinking isn’t helpful. Ask yourself if you would even think about saying this to a friend or loved one. You probably wouldn’t, right? So why are you saying it to yourself?
A journal is a great tool to use at the moment, but it’s also a great tool to use as a way to look back on later and reflect on those thoughts and the actions you took to try to combat them.
3. Seek Support from a Professional
If you’re still struggling with combatting self-criticism on your own, it may be time to reach out to an unbiased third party for a little additional support.
A therapist will work with you to help you identify any negative thought patterns you may be experiencing. With a little time and effort, they’ll be able to work with you to replace those negative thoughts with more positive ones.
It’s time to reclaim control over your life again and be proud of all of your successes, even the small ones. You are worthy and deserving of the respect and love towards yourself that you give to others. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation.
