SAYS SHAHROO IZADI, AUTHOR OF THE KINDNESS METHOD (BLUEBIRD)

‘To get a handle on how you’re speaking to yourself, do the paperclip challenge. Fill your left pocket with paperclips at the beginning of the day and, every time you’re mean to yourself, move one to the right pocket. The other day, I did it just to remind myself to be kind. By the end of the day, I had moved 27! Being mean is anything negative, including ruminating. If it’s a thought that’s affecting your life and taking away from your ability to enjoy the moment, and you can do nothing about it, move a paperclip and be aware of it. Awareness is the first step to stopping your negative inner voice.’