Negative SElf Talk

We all do it.

Regardless of what you look like, or how your day goes, we all have those moments where we say something “not so nice,” about ourselves.

Studies show that repeated negative talk about yourself can lead to chronic stress. It’s important to realize how damaging this “inner critic” can be to your overall health. Chronic stress can lessen your life span, hinder your immune response and throw your hormones out of balance. All of which, not only disrupt your everyday wellness, but your skin health too.

So how can you change it?

Well first it’s important to recognize when it’s happening. A lot of times we don’t catch ourselves saying negative things. But often times a friend or a partner can point it out to you. I recently had a day where I felt down on myself for not making better, “healthier” choices. I said something negative about it (in a harsh manner) and didn’t even realize it until my sister turned to me and said, “One bad day isn’t going to destroy you. Be nice to yourself.”

Who’s coaching who?! ha! I took a moment to reflect on what I said and how it made me feel. I didn’t even realize what I’d said. It came so naturally.

These thoughts are engrained so deeply within us whether it be from our childhood experiences, society or social media— it is a process to “unlearn” it.

So be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself.

With that, here are some tips to break you of negative self talk…

  1. Pause: Stop and recognize what you’re saying about yourself. Recognizing these thoughts and correcting your phrase will help to re-frame your train of thought. EX: “I at like garbage yesterday, I’m such an idiot!” PAUSE “I didn’t make the best choices yesterday, but today I will nourish my body.”

  2. Take a breath and be present: Mindfulness (and meditation for that matter), help with breaking you out of those thought patterns. Being present and in the moment with your senses helps to bring you back to reality and grounding.

  3. Gratitude: Practicing daily gratitude through journaling, or mantra is SO helpful. There is so much research on how gratitude practice shifts your perspective and creates a more positive thought process.

So the next time you notice yourself saying something self-deprecating or harsh— Just remember to Pause, take a breath and start shifting that perspective. Because you are worth it.

—Jen

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