You are probably very aware of the status of your relationship with others, but when was the last time you assessed your relationship with yourself? Negative self-talk, both internally and aloud, can damage your confidence and ultimately your mental health. Unfortunately, loving yourself does not come easily- especially if you have suffered from low self-esteem for a long time. Here are some behaviors and reminders to implement in your everyday life to improve the way you feel about and treat yourself.
Treat Your Body With Kindness
Physical health and mental health are strongly linked. Getting outside, staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough rest will all improve the way you feel both physically and mentally. If you are on any medications, remember to take them as prescribed! When you are feeling physically healthy, you will be more mentally equipped to process your emotions and start feeling in tune with your needs. These steps may seem daunting at first, but small changes such as an extra glass of water or an additional hour of sleep can make a significant impact. Slowly, you will find yourself naturally integrating healthier habits into your everyday life.
Spend Your Time Wisely
An important aspect of self-love is prioritizing activities that make you happy. Your time is just as important as others’; do not choose to participate in something you don’t like simply because somebody else prefers it. This tip applies to your relationships as well – you should be spending time with those who make you feel good about yourself rather than those who drain your energy and confidence.
When you think about your priorities, what’s at the very top? Whether you think of your relationship, family, success, or health, consider how many hours of your day are devoted to your most important cause. Even subtle changes such as more frequent phone calls to loved ones can help you feel more fulfilled on your journey toward self-love and happiness.
Adjust Your Thinking
If you can gain awareness of your negative thoughts, you will be able to recognize them and prevent them from occurring in the future. The next time you think something negative about yourself, take a moment to correct the thought and replace it with something more productive. For instance, if you look in the mirror and think “I look horrible today,” stop yourself and instead try to think of something about your appearance you are pleased with. If you make a mistake at work and think “I am so stupid, ” stop yourself and remember all of your impressive skills and how they have led you to be trusted with your position. Even if you use self-deprecating humor, it may hurt your self-esteem over time as such “jokes” often come from a real place of insecurity. Being mindful of the way you speak and think about yourself will guide you toward a more positive self-image.
Be a Friend to Yourself
The next time you are acting or thinking in an unhealthy way, think about how you would respond to a friend. You would never tell your friend they are stupid or unattractive, so why do we do it to ourselves? When you gain the same respect for yourself that you hold for others, you will treat yourself more kindly and make smarter choices. Your interests, values, and time are just as important as other peoples’, and it is time to start treating them as such!
Self-love cannot be found in a day. Start with small manageable steps specific to your needs, whether it’s taking time to rest, getting outside, or reciting verbal affirmations. Find what works for you and take the actions that make you feel like your body and mind are valuable.
If you are interested in virtual psychiatry for your mental health needs, contact Shannon Psychiatry today to schedule an appointment.