“Help! want to be kinder to myself”

Self-compassion is linked with greater happiness, less stress and enhanced longevity.

- Tara Counsineau, Arielle Schwartz, Megan Logan

Here, heartfelt ways to mute your inner critic and include yourself in your circle of kindness

Tap awareness 

See more with ‘kindsight’ 

Showing ourselves kindness can make us feel guilty—like we’re somehow letting ourselves off the hook. “One way to soften toward self-compassion is to tap your curiosity,” observes expert Tara Cousineau, Ph.D. “What is your internal dialogue?” You might remind yourself that while someone in your past may have been critical of you, there’s no need to continue beating yourself up. She calls this awareness “kindsight,” viewing life experiences with tenderness. “This opens your heart to healing the past in the present.”

Breathe in serenity