When you make a mistake or are under stress, what do you usually say to yourself? Is it kind?

Watch “Being Kinder to Yourself” (3-min video) from the Greater Good Science Center and Psychiatrist Elizabeth Guinto, which outlines five steps to treat yourself more kindly.

(Heads up: This video says the words “this sucks” to describe a reaction to suffering.) 

Try the five steps together.

1. Think of a situation that is causing you stress.
2. See if you can feel the stress in your body.
3. Say to yourself, “This is a moment of suffering.”
4. Say to yourself, “Suffering is a part of life.”
5. Put your hands over your heart and say, “May I be kind to myself” and “May I learn to accept myself as I am.”

When you make a habit of showing compassion to yourself, you have greater well-being and a sense of self-worth.