Take Good Care of Yourself

Published April 23, 2017

What makes you feel better: compliments or criticism? The answer is obvious, right? So why do we seem to have no problem berating ourselves? We’d never talk like that to a friend. Maybe we think going negative can spur us to achieve our goals, but the opposite is true: Self-compassion can help you stick to healthy actions that pay off at the scale


When you treat yourself with kindness, you’re more likely to take care of your health even when you’re ill or stressed, and better able to stick with your weight loss. What’s more, as your sense of self-worth increases, your relationships with others can improve.

 Studies show that people who can look at their successes and failures alike with a caring, nonjudgmental lens are less afraid of failure, have a more positive outlook and a better sense of wellbeing.

So how can you reap these benefits? Start by taking a few minutes with your Weekly to come up with ways to show yourself some love in the form of self-care. Research shows that something so simple and so pleasurable can actually work to increase self-compassion.

Keep the loving vibes going! Try these seven suggestions below.

1.    Make a list of your positive qualities. Read your list often. It could include anything from being a good guitar player to being a loving dad. List every attribute that makes you a worthwhile, likable individual.

2.    Pay yourself a compliment every day. Focus on a different attribute—quick hands, good fashion sense, killer poker skills—and say out loud: "I love my ___." It may sound silly at first, but it can be a useful counter to self-doubt.

3.    Do things you know will help you feel better about yourself. This could be anything from getting a new hairstyle to rearranging your fridge for healthy eating. Tackle the easiest first, to build confidence in future efforts.

4.    Give yourself regular non-food treats. Buy yourself a cool new app, take a spontaneous day trip. You'd do these things to make loved ones feel good, so why not yourself?

5.    Spend time with those who care about you. You’ll soon share their good opinion of you! If there aren't as many supportive people in your social circle as you'd like, consider ways of expanding it to increase your chances of positive feedback. Ask yourself: "Who will help me feel good about myself?" (Like, say, your fellow members on [Connect]—it's also on the [mobile app.])

6.    Avoid situations that keep you in a state of self-doubt. Even long-term relationships might call for a clear-eyed reappraisal, if they leave you feeling bad. Perhaps there's a critical relative or colleague who always seems to undermine you. Are you forever seeking someone's approval but never getting it? Rather than simply taking the criticism, you could:

  • Retreat from the relationship a bit.
  • Stop hoping for approval.
  • Respond more assertively to harsh remarks

7.    Try a little kindness. Instead of beating yourself up whenever you slip, give yourself the benefit of the doubt, same as you would anyone else. Focus on your achievements, not faults. Chances are, once you start looking, you'll be surprised at just how many there are.