Many people find that they pay more attention to their mistakes than to the things they do well.
According to trauma therapist Rey Junco of Concord Counseling Associates, this is because the brain is wired to detect potential threats first.
In the past, this was essential for human survival, and that mechanism continues to influence us today, Real Simple reports.
Junco also explains that criticism experienced during childhood, for example, can leave lasting effects.
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Later in life, similar situations may trigger those same emotions.
Dr. Sarah Oreck of Mavida Health told Real Simple that the inner critic does not define who you are.
Give your brain new habits
The experts recommend paying attention to self-critical thoughts and asking yourself whether they are based on facts.
Krista Walker, Clinical Director at The Ohana Luxury Addiction Treatment Center, told Real Simple that writing these thoughts down can be helpful.
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Oreck also recommends keeping a record of small everyday successes. Doing so can help the brain develop a more balanced view of your own abilities.
Separate the voice
According to Junco, calm breathing can reduce the body's stress response and make it easier to think clearly.
Afterward, you can try to identify the emotion behind the critical thought.
Oreck says it can also help to view the critical voice as something separate from yourself and to treat yourself with the same understanding and compassion that you would show a good friend.
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