A greatest-hits soundtrack produced by self-criticism would sound something like this: You should have done better on that project. Why isn’t the house cleaner? You tanked the whole soccer game!

Self-criticism is a common but problematic habit. Source: ueuaphoto at iStock Which aspect of self-criticism causes more distress: the content of your self-criticism, or the habit of criticizing ...

Like many other humans, I’ve felt depressed at times. But my periods of depression have had markedly different flavors: grieving a romantic relationship, “hitting the wall” during COVID, and ...

Everybody has an inner voice that evaluates, criticizes, and doubts their value. This inner critic, which is frequently influenced by social forces and early experiences, can take over our thinking ...

Negative self-talk, or an excessively-critical inner monologue, can keep you from reaching your goals and create a cycle of pessimism. Telling ourselves we aren't smart or productive enough to hit ...

Small commitments to yourself may feel trivial — but psychologists say they may form the foundation of genuine self-respect, resilience and long-term well-being. Self-respect is often described as a ...

Among the many instructive and edifying passages in the Book of Common Prayer is a section describing “The Consecrating of Bishops.” It is a stirring ritual, solemn, confident, uplifting. Of course, ...

Self-compassion, or being kind to yourself, is the foundation of any lasting change. If that word is hard for you to digest, you’re not alone. I recently attended a conference where a speaker proposed ...

Mindfulness and self-compassion are now buzzwords for self-improvement. But in fact, a growing body of research shows these practices can lead to real mental health benefits. This research – ongoing, ...

Your mind can be both your fiercest ally and your toughest opponent. Research uncovers what negative self-talk might really be doing for you, and how to work with it. Have you ever noticed a voice in ...