Self Esteem - What Is It?

SELF-ESTEEM DEFINED

Self-esteem is valuing who you are. Self-esteem is not being conceited, but about understanding that everyone deserves respect, including yourself.

In brief below are some steps to help raise self-esteem provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2009).

SELF-ESTEEM - HOW TO BUILD

1. Pay attention to your own needs and wants.

2. Take very good care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, exercise, have yearly physical exams, plan fun activities.

3. Take time to do things you enjoy.

4. Get something done that you have been putting off.

5. Do things that make use of your own special talents and abilities.

6. Dress in clothes that make you feel good about yourself.

7. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

8. Make your living space a place that honors the person you are.

9. Make your meals a special time, turn off the television, set the table.

10. Take advantage of opportunities to learn something new or improve your skills, take a class or go to a seminar.

11. Do something nice for another person, i.e. smile at someone who looks sad, send a card, volunteer.

12. Make it a point to treat yourself well every day.

13. Change negative thought about yourself into positive ones, i.e. instead of thinking "I don�t accomplish anything," think of the the things that you have accomplished.

14. Make a list of your strengths, what you admire about yourself, your greatest achievements, your accomplishments. Re-read often.

For more information, go to www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov