A lot of how we feel about ourselves is automatic, and we usually don’t even know we’re doing it. We know that word gets thrown around a lot, but how are you actually supposed to be more mindful? All it really means is you’re aware of and focusing on whatever you’re doing, thinking, and feeling. AKA… Lots of people have been here before, and we’re with you. We all feel happiness, sadness, anger - whatever emotion it is! When you’re feeling alone, remember that you’re also attached to a broader community of people that have experienced something similar. That’s a way of treating yourself with kindness too. With someone you love, you’d immediately comfort them without telling them to get over it or move on, right? You deserve that too! It’s also important to know and respond to your needs.

Would you ever talk to a friend the way that you talk to yourself? Probably not. Here are the basics of practicing self-compassion: TREAT YOURSELF WITH KINDNESS You just need to reteach yourself how to be as nice to you as you are to other people.

With so much change in our lives already, trying something new and different may seem outside of your comfort zone right now. As you start bringing positive emotions into your life, the easier it is to feel that positivity automatically - and you can start to reverse that negative cycle. So, here’s the good news: you can rewire your brain. You might be spending a lot of time battling self-criticism, and that means you’re probably not practicing a lot of self-compassion. Right now that negativity may feel more present than ever, with all the news and shared stress of the pandemic. Our brains are always looking for the negative in every situation, just waiting for the “fight or flight” to kick-in. We all have to find what helps us work through our own individual struggles, but there’s one piece of advice we could all use right now: Taking care of your mental health isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” situation.

Getting in touch with yourself