148: The Science of Being Kind to Yourself

What if you treated yourself with the same understanding and care you give to others? In this solo episode, Jay explores the science and psychology behind self-compassion and why being hard on yourself may actually be holding you back. Drawing from the research of Dr. Kristin Neff and Kelly McGonigal, he explains how self-compassion improves emotional resilience, reduces anxiety, and even enhances motivation and self-control. Jay breaks down a practical approach to transforming your inner dialogue by acknowledging reality, supporting yourself through difficulty, and reconnecting to what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of self-criticism, this episode offers a powerful and research-backed path to a healthier, more effective mindset. Notable Quotes “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we give to a good friend.” — Dr. Kristin Neff “Self-compassion, being supportive and kind to yourself, especially in the face of stress and failure, is associated with more motivation and better self-control.” — Kelly McGonigal “I can’t expect to feel good all the time.” — Jay Abbasi “If we keep moving forward, something great is going to happen.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Penelope, a Director of Training in healthcare who is holding herself back from speaking up and sharing her ideas. Jay is joined by Shereen Thor, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman, to explore how leaders can break free from expectations, find their voice, and lead with unapologetic confidence.