How to Increase Your Self-Esteem with Self-Care

Self-care was a concept I used to discuss with clients but never practice; it was not a priority for this busy girl. Other people, my career, my to-do list, and life interfered. Even if I was doing something for myself, it was coupled with my internal dialogue panicking about the time I was away from work, future tripping about what was to come, and never mindful of the moment. I was miserable and knew that an important component of my life was missing, real self-care.

Interestingly enough, when I stopped putting others first and began placing my well-being as a top priority, I became much happier, balanced, and self-assured. I also developed a great relationship with this person I had been ignoring for years, myself! Now, I practice acts of self-care every day. Many people who suffer from low self-esteem have struggled with adapting self care into their lifestyles; this can lead to depression, sadness, and anxiety.

When you avoid things that make you feel mentally and physically well, you deplete your self-worth. Self-care is imperative in maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself and others. It produces positive feelings, which builds self-love, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Increase Self-Esteem with These Self-Care Tips

• Escape with a book. Take a break from reality and grab a good page turner. By the time you finish a chapter, whatever was troubling you, may not be as problematic. Whether it’s Fifty Shades of Grey or the new John Grisham novel, make sure it something you are reading for pleasure.
• Get some fresh air. Go for a walk, a run, or eat your lunch in outside and really appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
• Take yourself out to a nourishing meal, alone. This can be dreadfully frightening but you will really begin to appreciate the food, your time, and your relationship with yourself much more.
• Rock out. Create a playlist of music that makes you smile, dance, or sing.
• Add something healthy to your routine each day. Take the stairs, drink an extra glass of water, or opt for the salad instead of fries; be nice to your body.
• Nurture Your Body. Men and women can both be seen at nail salons these days, it’s not odd these men know how to indulge in some self-care! Treat yourself to that massage, facial, or add the scalp massage to your next hair cut and let someone take care of you for a little while, you deserve it.
• Maintain a regular and fun workout schedule. It doesn’t have to be miserable, find an activity that makes you sweat and makes you smile.
• Activate Your Inner Child. What did you do when you were a child that was fun and relaxing? I had a client who said when he rode his bike he felt like “a kid again”, it was break from all of his adult worries and when he returned from his rides he was “recharged and happy". What makes your inner child smile?

"If you aren't good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you'll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren't even giving to yourself." - Barbara De Angelis

• Silence the phone. Indulge in the moment and forget about the incoming call, text or email for as long as you can.
• Laugh. Watch The Office, Read Damn You Auto Correct or that funny YouTube clip, and crack up.
• Get out the Crayolas. Draw, paint, build, cook, do something that activates your creative side. Having trouble? Get online and use Pinterest as inspiration.
• Use the Nice Towels. Or the good china or bath salts whatever you have been “saving” for a special occasion. You are special and right now is the occasion to celebrate.

Add your self-care tips below, and take good care.

Emily is the author of Express Yourself: A Teen Girls Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are.You can visit Emily’s Guidance Girl website. You can also find her on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.