Five Tips for Building and Strengthening your Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is a crucial aspect of mental health, influencing how we perceive ourselves and engage with the world. When low self-esteem becomes persistent, it can negatively affect both our emotional well-being and everyday life. The good news is that, like any skill, self-esteem can be nurtured and improved over time. People with higher self-esteem are often more resilient to life’s challenges and experience fewer symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Below are five practical tips to help you boost your self-esteem:

 

1. Use Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations can reinforce your successes and help you believe in your ability to reach your goals. The way we talk to ourselves matters. Replacing self-criticism with affirmations such as “I am capable” or “I deserve happiness” can gradually shift your mindset and elevate self-esteem.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts

It’s common to have moments of self-doubt or self-criticism. When you notice a negative thought, pause and question it. Often, you’ll find these thoughts are not based on facts. By actively replacing harmful thoughts with more encouraging ones, you can gradually reshape your inner dialogue.

3. Identify Your Strengths
 

Everyone has unique abilities and talents—acknowledging yours can be a powerful way to boost confidence. Take note of what you do well, whether it’s problem-solving, creativity, or empathy, and look for opportunities to further develop these strengths.

4. Set Limits and Learn to Say “No”

Trying to please everyone can lead to feeling overextended and undervalued. Recognize your limits and remember that it’s okay to say “no” in order to protect your mental health. Setting boundaries allows you to preserve energy for the things that truly matter to you.

5. Build Positive Relationships

We’re often influenced by the people around us. Seek out friendships and relationships that lift you up rather than bring you down. Nurturing a supportive network can play a key role in maintaining healthy self-esteem.

 

Getting Help

If low self-esteem is affecting your daily life, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. They can offer personalized guidance and support.

For additional information, we  recommend these resources:

Improving self-esteem is a gradual process, but each step you take—no matter how small—contributes to a more positive outlook and a healthier sense of self. By integrating these tips into your daily life, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and cultivate a more resilient mindset.

 If you are interested in speaking to a provider at NW-Mind-Body Wellness, we invite you to fill out our contact form  today. 

 

Crisis Help

If you or a loved one is in a crisis, it is important to get help immediately. If in danger of suicide:

  • Call 911
  • Go to the nearest emergency room
  • Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-488

New Year Tips for Prioritizing Your Mental Health

New Year, New You: Tips for Prioritizing Your Mental Health

The new year can be an exciting time filled with resolutions, fresh goals, and the promise of positive change. But amid the celebration, it’s also important to remember that mental well-being doesn’t start and end with a resolution. Below are practical tips to help you focus on mental health as you step into the new year.

Reflect on the Past Year

Before moving forward, take a moment to look back. What did you accomplish? What were your challenges? Recognizing these moments can offer perspective and help you identify areas where you might need more support or self-care moving forward.

Set Achievable Goals

When making New Year’s resolutions, it’s easy to get caught up in big, ambitious plans. But if those plans become a source of anxiety or pressure, your mental health can suffer. Instead, align your goals with your well-being in mind. For instance, aim to reduce stress by adding a few minutes of relaxation into your daily routine or commit to a weekly check-in with a counselor. Using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) will keep your goals realistic and help you track progress without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness—paying attention to the present moment—can lower stress and improve emotional regulation. This might include techniques like:

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Gentle stretching
  • Guided meditations
    Even a short daily practice can enhance self-awareness and reduce anxiety.

 

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care goes beyond bath bombs and spa days (though those can be helpful!). It includes getting enough sleep, eating well, staying active, and taking breaks when you need them. You can also consider journaling, reading, or hobbies that bring you joy.

Reach Out for Support

Isolation can worsen mental health challenges, especially if you’re navigating stress or depression. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional. Sometimes, just sharing your experience can be a big step toward relief.

Embrace Flexibility

Life rarely goes as planned. If your goals or circumstances change, don’t be afraid to adjust. Embracing flexibility and being kind to yourself when unexpected events arise can help you maintain a healthier state of mind.

Consider Professional Help

If you find yourself consistently struggling, seeking professional help can make a world of difference. A mental health counselor or therapist can provide the guidance and support you need to manage challenges and maintain long-term well-being.

 

Learn More

Taking care of your mental health isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing practice. By reflecting on the past, setting achievable goals, and prioritizing self-care, you’ll be better prepared to face whatever the new year brings—both the ups and the downs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professionals, we invite you to fill out our contact formtoday. 

 

Tips for Getting Active This Spring

Tips for Getting Active This Spring

As the chill of winter fades away and the days start to get longer, many people feel a sense of renewed energy and motivation to get active. Spring is the perfect time to kickstart a fitness routine or try out a new outdoor activity. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, boost your mood, or simply enjoy the beautiful weather, there are plenty of ways to get moving during this season. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and ideas for getting active during spring and making the most of this vibrant and invigorating time of year.

Take a Hike

Spring can be one of the most beautiful times of the year. For this reason, hiking in Spring can be especially rewarding.

There are hiking trails for all skill levels, making this activity very flexible in difficulty. When planning your hike, be sure to check the length and incline of your trail. This will help you ensure that you have chosen a hike that is suited to your needs.

Hiking is not only for sunny days. However, when hiking in the rain or in cold weather, be sure to dress and pack accordingly.

Practice Yoga

Yoga can be done both inside or outside, and requires only a small amount of space. For these reasons, many find that it is a great way to increase physical activity.

Bring the Gym Home

On rainy days it can be nice to stay in the comfort of our own home. There are many exercises that you can do from home. While the possibilities are endless, workouts that can easily be done from home include:

  • Jump rope
  • Push-ups, sit-ups, and other body weight exercises
  • Lifting with dumbbells or kettlebell
  • Walk/run stairs

Spend More Time Standing

You can increase your physical activity by replacing sitting with standing. During periods where you would normally find yourself sedentary, try to mix up your routine by standing. For those with desk jobs, standing desks can offer a great way to get more time on your feet during the day.

Take Walks

On nice days, a casual walk can offer a great way to get active as well as enjoy nature. For cloudy days, a rain coat can offer protection or you can try to get your steps indoors. Simple activities, such as walking through a mall, can actually create a great opportunity to get physical activity, even on a rainy day.

Do What Makes You happy

There are an endless number of possibilities for those looking to increase their physical activity this Spring. The important part is discovering what is right for you. By finding activities that you enjoy, you are much more likely to stay consistent with your physical activity.

Self Care During the Holiday Season

Self Care During the Holiday Season

It care be hard to make time for self care during the holiday season. However, with the days getting shorter and holidays bringing stress to many, self care is particularly important during this time of the year.

Self care can benefit both your mental and physical health. Even small actions of taking care of yourself can have a big impact on your wellbeing. 

There are an infinite number of ways to practice self care, and much of it is up to personal preference. To help get you started on your journey of practicing self care during the holiday season, we have provided the following ideas.

Monitor and Manage Your Stress Levels

Try your best to monitor your feelings and stress levels. By recognizing when you are starting to feel stressed, it can be easier for you to redirect yourself.

When you are feeling yourself becoming overwhelmed from things you need to complete or work on, we recommend giving yourself a break, and then taking a minute to write down a list of the things you need to get done. This can help you better manage your time, and hopefully make your list of tasks feel less daunting.

Take Time for Physical Health

As the weather gets colder, many people spend less time taking care of their physical health. This is primarily because many people enjoy doing activities or exercising outside. However, there are many forms of exercise that can be done indoors. We recommend looking into exercise methods that can be done in cold weather or indoors, and finding something that interests you. 

 It is important to note that every bit of exercise counts, and even in small amounts it can be very beneficial. 

 

Give Yourself “Me” Time

As the year gets closer to its end, people often are faced with added pressure of the holidays, finances, relationships, and more. It is important to know that it is okay to take a break, and give yourself time for you. Time is not wasted by relaxing or doing what you enjoy. By giving yourself this time, you will be able to better handle any pressures you are faced with.

Get Enough Sleep

Make getting enough sleep a priority. The CDC recommends that adults aged 18 to 60 get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. By sticking to a sleeping schedule, many find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Try to keep up with your sleep schedule even during your off days. 

Focus on your Hobby or Discover a New One

Hobbies can serve as an excellent form of self care, as they can help bring your focus to what you enjoy. Even if your schedule is busy, try to make time to focus on your hobby. Some may find it hard to find a hobby that they like. For those looking to find a new hobby, consider trying local classes or doing a simple Google search of hobbies that may align with your interests.

Connect With Others

Connecting with friends and/or family can serve as a form of self care. When dealing with the stressors of life, some may find themselves feeling distant from others. Reach out to those you love for connection and support.

When to Seek Professional Help

Self care can be very beneficial to your health, but it is not always enough. If you are experiencing severe symptoms that last for more than two weeks, it is suggested that you seek further professional help. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Inability to perform daily activities or keep up with responsibilities
  • Difficulties concentrating 
  • Loss of interest in things or activities you typically find enjoyable
  • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning
  • Appetite changes resulting in unwanted weight loss or gain

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES