Hard On Yourself & Self-Critical? Try These Self-Compassion Skills & CBT Techniques (Compassion Series) [27]

In this episode, we're talking about self-compassion. We're exploring the three aspects of self-compassion noted by researcher Dr. Kristin Neff. The first, mindfulness vs over-identification, was last episode and this second one is known as self-kindness vs. self-judgment. In this episode, we'll explore how self-kindness is powerful fuel for positive change and at the same time, how this aspect of self-compassion reminds us that we are not broken and don't need fixing.  About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek. The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab Program.   Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).   Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app: Spotify | Apple | YouTube   Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram | LinkedIn   Key Takeaways: We access a lot of healing power when we practice self-compassion. Self-kindness is a practice that can be learned and improved on. That means it's always within our potential, we just might be out of practice.  Negative self-talk, harsh self-judgment, and self-criticism are all positively correlated with depression and anxiety. That means the more negative self-talk, self-judgment, or self-criticism we have, the higher the risk we'll have for depression and anxiety. Unconscious, negative thinking creates a lot of unnecessary emotional suffering. The metaphor of the first and second arrows is the perfect illustration for this. The power of our practice is to notice more quickly when this negative thinking and self-judgment start chattering. We can then more quickly ignore it. It will rear its head again and again, but the power comes in dismissing it. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make things far more joyful. Consider Aimee's big bomb at an interview when her self-judgment crashed her... we're laughing with you, Aimee, not at you ;) In next episode, we'll build more supports on these two aspects of mindfulness and self-kindness with the aspect of "common humanity vs isolation."   Links Mentioned: Dr. Kristin Neff's website Mary Oliver (poetry foundation) Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. Please see our terms for more information.   If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at [email protected]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org