We know in theory that it's extremely wise to try to look after ourselves, to show ourselves compassion and patience, and to attempt to be kind to who we are.
The difficulty is how to pull any of this off.
It tends to feel highly incongruous to try to interrupt the normal panicked, stern, or critical way we speak to ourselves for the sake of a moment of stillness and nurture.
It can be infinitely easier to look after someone else than to direct generosity inwards.
That's why it may, in this context, help to try out a minor imaginative exercise, to picture ourselves as being, alongside our normal duties, always responsible for looking after a small child, a distinctly sensitive five-year-old who happens to be a version of our younger selves.
Imagine that throughout an average day, we aren't going to be the only ones showing up and handling matters.
We will be accompanied at all times by a far more intrepid, vulnerable, sleepy, delicate, sweet, and very shy five-year-old.
There will be a five-year-old coming with us to the workplace presentation.
There will be a five-year-old in tow when we have to meet colleagues from the Korean branch and have to take them out for lunch and make small talk for an hour.
This small person will then have to make a difficult phone call to a supplier who will try to catch them out.
