Radio Headspace The Words We Say to Ourselves
Feb 2, 2026
A reflection on the slippery slope into negative self-talk and a relatable story about sending the wrong email. A look at research showing we speak more harshly to ourselves than to friends. A simple pause-and-breathe practice with a hand on the heart to shift toward self-compassion and encourage risk and growth.
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Email Slip Reveals Inner Critic
- Rosie describes sending the wrong email and immediately calling herself an "idiot" out loud.
- That moment stopped her and revealed how natural negative self-talk can feel.
Inner Critic Quietly Erodes Confidence
- Research shows people talk to themselves more harshly than they'd treat a friend.
- That harsh inner dialogue quietly erodes confidence and joy over time.
Retrain Your Inner Voice With Compassion
- Retrain your inner voice through awareness and compassion to sound more like a friend.
- Practice self-compassion to increase resilience, motivation, and willingness to try again.