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Wellness Wednesdays: Mental Health and Well-being Tips for All

The Inner Critic versus The Inner Coach

Do you know what your inner critic looks like? What he tells you? How he bothers you? What about your inner coach?

Who are you more acquainted with, your inner coach or critic? Listening to our inner critic seems almost right at times, you think, ‘this might motivate me to get moving’. It usually has the opposite effect though and you may end up de-motivated, overwhelmed or like the pressure to perform is just too much. An inner coach however, encourages you to keep going.

“Your Inner Critic is not your conscience — she may be loud and opinionated, but you are still the boss of you." – Lisa Levine

Try this:

Here’s one way to practice being your inner coach:

As a class, family, or group:

The Well-Done Game:
  1. For the next hour, say: “Well done, ______ (your name)!”, after everything you do.
  2. For instance, ‘Well done for making coffee Amy!’
  3. Notice how it feels to give yourself positive feedback.

    - adapted from Journey to Wellness
Develop your own Positive Affirmations page:
Use a piece of paper and a writing utensil:
  1. Write one thing that you love about your heart. What kind of person are you?
    a. I am _________________________.
  2. Write one thing that you love about your mind. What impresses you about yourself?
    a. I am _________________________.
  3. Write one thing that impresses you about your relationships.
    a. I am loved and I am lovable.
  4. Write one thing that God says about you.
    a. I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God my creator.
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
 
Since understanding the difference between the inner critic and inner coach; how do you feel you scale in one day? Do operate mostly from the inner critic or inner coach?
 
Inner Critic (--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------) Inner Coach
 
When you consider using positive affirmations; how much practice do you think you will need for this to feel natural and genuine?

Connecting to Our Faith

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. - Psalm 94:18-19

Further Learning

Children’s Book: Positive Affirmations: Coloring Book for Kids
 
Positive Affirmations: Coloring Book for Kids
 
All Ages Book: The Miracle Morning Art of Affirmations: A Positive Coloring Book for Adults and Kids by Hal Elrod and Brianna Greenspan
 
The Miracle Morning Art of Affirmations: A Positive Coloring Book for Adults and Kids by Hal Elrod and Brianna Greenspan
 

Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell
 
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