8 Ways to Be Kinder to Yourself in 2020

Having weak ties (neighbors, your favorite bartender, or fellow members in a spin class) can have a positive impact on our well-being by helping us feel more connected to other social groups.

Worrying about when something will go wrong will only steal your current joy. Accept that you can't perfectly prepare for potential challenges.

Researchers found students who predicted getting a poor grade on an exam felt bad for days before receiving their results. The stressing, however, didn't diminish the disappointment they felt once they got their scores.

Guilty pleasures, like junk food or trashy books, can be good for us, as long as we enjoy them in moderation.

Take a mental break and enjoy doing something that doesn't require intense intellectual focus. It will improve your ability to deal with stressors productively.

Getting credit for your work gives your brain good feelings and helps you accomplish more.

The psychological impact of keeping a positive view of your accomplishments can decrease stress and encourage better habits.

Doing something only once may leave you naive to the missed nuances remaining to enjoy.

Experience has many layers of information to reveal. It's probably a good idea to repeat it.

Research shows that ignoring upsetting feelings can reduce your capacity for joy and may manifest as physical pain.

Acknowledge the bad experience. Notice your thoughts and sensations. Relax your face and hands, and accept how you feel knowing that you won't feel this way forever. Draw out a lesson you can apply to future situations.