| This is the third article in a series on low | | | | make a change. This probably sounds really silly, |
| self-esteem and depression. These two elements | | | | but when you suffer from low-self esteem you |
| of life create a cycle that can lead to a sense of | | | | may not realize how simple little changes can |
| hopelessness. Even a mild depression can cause | | | | elevate your mood. I hate certain types of |
| feelings of inadequacy, low energy, and a sense | | | | vegetables even though their good for me. A |
| of being overwhelmed by small tasks. When our | | | | change from broccoli to brussel sprouts brought |
| energy is low and we get less done, it can | | | | out my delighted inner child and elevated my |
| contribute to our sense of self loathing. | | | | mood. Maybe you no longer like taking aerobics, |
| Throughout my life I've experienced temporary | | | | but you'd like to join a bike club. Larger changes |
| periods when my energy is low or I feel | | | | such as leaving a toxic or abusive relationship may |
| depressed. This may be because of the weather, | | | | require more thought and help, but begin making |
| hormones, or difficult situations such as the loss | | | | your plans today. |
| of a loved one. I've come to recognize the | | | | 4. Create a list of daily goals. It may be silly but |
| interplay a low grade depression has on my | | | | when your really struggling or in a chemical |
| self-esteem. It's always good to get professional | | | | imbalance, small tasks may be overlooked. Keep a |
| help and take medicine if it's recommended but | | | | list that includes self care; make bed, brush teeth, |
| here are a few tips that have helped me. | | | | call clients, talk to boss about project |
| 1. Exercise even when you don't feel like it. | | | | expectations, walk at lunch time, call about new |
| Regular exercise has been proven to help regulate | | | | art class, etc. |
| serotonin, which regulates our moods. If exercise | | | | 5. Schedule vacation and play time. Many people |
| is a challenge for you try to make it fun and part | | | | who suffer from low self-esteem or depression |
| of your routine. It could be as simple as walking | | | | find it difficult to schedule fun. Often, there's a |
| the dog twenty minutes a day. Other fun | | | | sense that they should punish themselves. Learn |
| activities might include water aerobics, a dance | | | | to be your own best friend and schedule fun |
| class, or a bike ride with your partner or children. | | | | activities. If you are exhausted by your |
| It helps to schedule your exercise and don't think | | | | depression, you still may benefit by reading or |
| about it. Just show up. Doing exercise at the | | | | napping outside at the beach rather than in your |
| same time each day can be helpful. | | | | apartment. If you are lonely schedule an event or |
| 2. Pray and look for what loveable in others. | | | | vacation that will put you in contact with other |
| Sometimes when we can't find what good in | | | | people. It may be volunteering to build a Habitat |
| ourselves, we can't find what good in others. | | | | for Humanity house, or attending a yoga or bike |
| Years ago, I didn't like or trust most people. | | | | camp for adults. |
| Because of my faith, I felt like I needed to learn | | | | Over the years I've learned no else is quite like |
| how to love others. I began to see how good | | | | me, and yet we all have so much in common. |
| most people are. It made it easier to make | | | | Everyone has unique circumstances. Regardless of |
| friends, and feel secure in the world. The more | | | | how I feel, I need to always be my own best |
| I've been able to see the good in other people, | | | | friend. Following these tips help me feel more |
| the more they've recognized the good in me. This | | | | hopeful and joyful about life. I hope they'll do the |
| has helped boost my self-esteem. | | | | same for you. |
| 3. Don't do things you hate. Form a plan and | | | | |