Self criticism can be common and also create inner turmoil, and physical symptoms such as inflammation in the body and lowered immunity. Self critisicm can trigger anxiety and the fight/flight response as the body responds to the “threat. ” The unconscious mind can’t differentiate between an internal and external threat so the survival response activates the sympathetic nervous system and causes you to feel more stress. Being aware of your inner critic and choosing more compassionate self talk is a form of self care.

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