Often times we can be our own harshest critics. This negative self-thinking can be caused by a number of different reasons, everything from a having a weakened immune system to getting inconsistent sleep to eating a low-nutrient diet. On average, humans have at least 6,000 thoughts a day running through our minds so know that a few of them are bound to be negative.
Our thoughts can be a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. Habitual negative thinking can begin to impact many areas in our lives including our relationships, our jobs, and how we show up in the world. Turning down your inner critic may require you to lean into self-love. A practice of accepting yourself fully, treating yourself with kindness and respect, and nurturing your growth and wellbeing. To turn down your inner critic, and practice self-love, keep reading.
5 Ways to Turn Down Your Inner Critic
1. Forgive yourself
Every human has made mistakes, some big and some small. Acknowledge any "mistakes" or missteps that you may have taken and forgive yourself. We are sympathetic towards other people, showing grace and acceptance. Show yourself that same type of kindness and forgive yourself.
2. Stop the blame game
Just as we can be harsh critics our ourselves, we can also blame ourselves for what has happened to us in the past. Know that there is now need to blame yourself for any negativity that has occurred in your life. Self-criticism and blaming is a learned behavior so it may take a few tries for you to deprogram. Let go of placing blame by recognizing how you are feeling and not judging the outcome. Simply acknowledge.
3. Create space for compassion
Think of how you treat your loved ones or your best friend. You would most likely never say the types of words you say to yourself. Create a space of compassion for yourself. Just as you have sympathy and understanding for others, mirror that feeling to yourself. We are all humans, we are all learning everyday, we are all growing.
4. Practice non-attachment
Beautiful shifts begin to happen when you let go of the need to control the outcome of situations. This practice is known as non-attachment: noticing thoughts or feelings without judgement. Look at how you talk to yourself from an outsider's perspective and you may realize that you are being too harsh on yourself.
5. Get moving
Our physical bodies can store stuck emotions, criticism, and energy that can cause us to thinking poorly or ourselves. We often hold that negative energy in our hips. Start incorporating 15-30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine to release that energy. When you move your body, you also release those feel-good endorphins that make you feel better and happy and even reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Yoga is a beautiful practice that can target your hips specifically. Here are 8 yoga poses you can try to stretch and move your body.
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