According to Linda Graham (Bouncing Back, 2013), the practice of self-appreciation has been shown to diminish bouts of depression and anxiety. As we take in the love of others and cultivate love for ourselves, we activate the release of oxytocin. This enhances the neural receptivity in the brain that allows us to learn more resilient coping strategies. While self-appreciation helps us recognize and celebrate our strengths, self-compassion helps us recognize our frailties and vulnerabilities. We need self-compassion to answer our harsh inner critics.
Please call me if you want to start to develop more self-appreciation and more self-compassion, important skills for resilience and happiness.