Give yourself a high five to silence your inner critic

You’ve done it a thousand times for friends and teammates, but have you ever tried it for yourself? One Monday morning, Emma dragged herself into her bathroom feeling like she’d slept on a tack. She stared at her puffy face and the scale she’d never want to step on again. Then she remembered the simple habit a friend had mentioned: high 5 in the mirror.

Cautiously, she raised her palm toward her reflection. As her hand met the glass she felt a tiny spark—like flipping a little switch in her chest. In that instant she didn’t hear the usual barrage of “You look tired” or “You’re always messing up.” Instead, she felt a subtle lift in her shoulders and a quiet nudge: “You’re here. You can do this.”

Later that day, when her boss unloaded a last-minute project, she didn’t feel the usual panic. She simply smiled, remembered her morning ritual, and tackled the assignment with surprising calm. All it took was one mirror High 5 to remind her of something she’d forgotten: she had her own back.

According to research on mirror-based affirmations, the powerful mix of gesture and positive self-belief interrupts the mind’s negative loop and activates brain regions tied to reward and self-validation. Just one High 5 can reset your mental state for the day.

When you wake up feeling that familiar ache of doubt, stand in front of the mirror, catch your own eye, and raise your hand like you’re cheering yourself on. Feel the tension drop as your palm meets the glass and let that mirror High 5 remind you that you’re worthy of encouragement. As your mind settles, say to yourself, “I love you. I see you. You’ve got this.” Notice your chest open and your shoulders relax—that’s your signal to step out into the world with a refreshed spirit. Give yourself that High 5 right now, and let it set the tone for an empowered day.