If you’re feeling stressed and self-critical, stop and take a moment to offer yourself some self-compassion and soothing. (Self-compassion researcher and author Dr. Kristen Neff offers lots of data on why this is so important.) You may also be feeling worried and anxious about the state of the world at the moment, or about stressful things happening at work or at home.

Some self soothing tactics that my clients and I find particularly helpful to feel calm, less anxious and less self-critical include:

❤️ Placing one or both hands over your heart and breathing deep, or gently hugging yourself. (I like to stroke downwards on my arms, too.)

❤️ Asking yourself, “What do I need right now?” Listen to yourself and follow through to feel better.

❤️ Or, pushing back on a specific anxious or self-critical thought with the questions, “Is that true? Can I prove that’s absolutely true? (Most times it’s not true, but it’s causing you unnecessary grief.) These questions are part of Byron Katie’s highly effective framework called “The Work“.

I personally find Tara Brach’s five-minute meditation very helpful, as well.

I can help you learn different techniques to feel more calm, confident and self compassionate, via one-on-one coaching or The Midlife Motivation Circle group program. Book a free, no-obligation call now to learn more.

Not sure whether coaching can help you? Read 9 Signs That You Might Need Life Coaching to see if any apply to you.

Learn more by booking a free coaching consultation with me. My clients can confirm that coaching can help you gain confidence, combat negative self talk and achieve goals that truly fulfill you. You’ll find even more information in my Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching section.