Are You Kind...to Yourself?

“Dont overlook the power of self-soothing touch,” Dr. Neff says. She suggests putting your hands on your heart or giving yourself a little hug, which can reduce the stress hormone cortisol. This soothing touch also taps into the caregiving/attachment system, releasing the cuddle hormone oxytocin. (Not comfortable trying this yet? Start with asking your friend with a shoulder rub, or even treat yourself to a massage.)

If you don’t think you’re harsh enough on yourself to deserve this TLC, keep this in mind: “We all carry some sort of self-hatred or judgment and it’s so subtle that some people don’t even know it,” Happiness Expert Matthew D. Della Porta, M.A. says.

You can test how self-compassionate you are with Dr. Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale. 

Aside from journaling and self-soothing touch, there are tons of other exercises to enhance your self-compassion. Check them out on Kristin’s site and in her book.