Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Are you practicing mindfulness… or are you quietly judging yourself?
In this video, we break down the difference between noticing your thoughts and judging your thoughts — and why this subtle shift has a huge impact on anxiety, burnout, and self-criticism.
Most people think they’re being self-aware when they reflect on their feelings. But often, what’s really happening is a layer of harsh evaluation that activates the nervous system and keeps you stuck.
In this conversation, we explore:
• The difference between noticing and judging
• Why your brain defaults to self-criticism
• How judgment amplifies anxiety and overwhelm
• A simple 3-step mindfulness reset
• How ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) builds psychological flexibility
If you struggle with self-criticism, overthinking, anxiety, or perfectionism, this video will give you practical tools to create more space, curiosity, and compassion in your daily life.
⸻
📱 Practice These Skills Daily
Download the ACT Essentials App for guided exercises on defusion, mindfulness, and self-compassion:
app.thezensocialworker.ca
📚 Learn More
Read the full blog post here:
thezensocialworker.ca/tzsw-blog/noticing-vs-judging-a-mindfulness-reset
📲 Connect with Us
Tim on Instagram:
instagram.com/zensocialworker
Jess on Instagram:
instagram.com/jessgordon_counselling
Steve on Instagram:
instagram.com/movewellfeelgood
⸻
🎥 Watch Next
✅ How to Handle Intrusive Thoughts | Name the Story | ACT Tool - youtu.be/r9tr9octT9c
✅ The 6 Core Processes of ACT — youtu.be/TPvLEZFa14o
✅ The Struggle Switch: Why Fighting Thoughts Backfires — youtu.be/Mc-n1Sa4PEI
⸻
🌐 More Resources
ACT courses & tools:
thezensocialworker.thinkific.com
Join our mailing list for free resources & updates:
eepurl.com/c9X9jn
Visit the website:
thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Business Inquiries & Collaborations
📧 tim@thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy or social work services. If you’re struggling, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional.
This work is inspired by clinicians and researchers affiliated with the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.
Are you practicing mindfulness… or are you quietly judging yourself?
In this video, we break down the difference between noticing your thoughts and judging your thoughts — and why this subtle shift has a huge impact on anxiety, burnout, and self-criticism.
Most people think they’re being self-aware when they reflect on their feelings. But often, what’s really happening is a layer of harsh evaluation that activates the nervous system and keeps you stuck.
In this conversation, we explore:
• The difference between noticing and judging
• Why your brain defaults to self-criticism
• How judgment amplifies anxiety and overwhelm
• A simple 3-step mindfulness reset
• How ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) builds psychological flexibility
If you struggle with self-criticism, overthinking, anxiety, or perfectionism, this video will give you practical tools to create more space, curiosity, and compassion in your daily life.
⸻
📱 Practice These Skills Daily
Download the ACT Essentials App for guided exercises on defusion, mindfulness, and self-compassion:
app.thezensocialworker.ca
📚 Learn More
Read the full blog post here:
thezensocialworker.ca/tzsw-blog/noticing-vs-judging-a-mindfulness-reset
📲 Connect with Us
Tim on Instagram:
instagram.com/zensocialworker
Jess on Instagram:
instagram.com/jessgordon_counselling
Steve on Instagram:
instagram.com/movewellfeelgood
⸻
🎥 Watch Next
✅ How to Handle Intrusive Thoughts | Name the Story | ACT Tool - youtu.be/r9tr9octT9c
✅ The 6 Core Processes of ACT — youtu.be/TPvLEZFa14o
✅ The Struggle Switch: Why Fighting Thoughts Backfires — youtu.be/Mc-n1Sa4PEI
⸻
🌐 More Resources
ACT courses & tools:
thezensocialworker.thinkific.com
Join our mailing list for free resources & updates:
eepurl.com/c9X9jn
Visit the website:
thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Business Inquiries & Collaborations
📧 tim@thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy or social work services. If you’re struggling, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional.
This work is inspired by clinicians and researchers affiliated with the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.
