Having a little self esteem can go a long way in life. In can help you to be happier, healthier, and more motivated. Oftentimes when people feel that their self esteem is low, they may begin having negative thoughts or turn to unhealthy habits – such as substance use disorder – as a way of coping with their feelings. Building self esteem can support recovery efforts and make positive changes in one’s life.
Surround yourself with positive people. Start spending more time with friends who have a positive outlook on life. Those who appreciate the good things and are not always focused on the negatives. Laughing, complimenting one another, and providing overall encouragement can boost your mood and help you to get over a rough patch.
Do things you enjoy. If you’re great at golf, piano, cooking, gardening, or painting, spend more time doing these activities. Seeing the results of your hard work and accomplishing something that you’re proud of can enhance your self esteem. Use your strengths to your benefit.
Cross items off of your to-do list. Practically everyone has a list of things they want to get done. Some may be short-term projects while others are more long-term. Start working your way down your list and ticking off projects. There is something satisfying about crossing off completed tasks and watching your list get shorter. Being productive can also improve your mood and self esteem because these projects will no longer be nagging you as something you know you should get done.
Focus on the positive. Take time out each day and look for something good in your life. It can be something as simple as noticing that the weather is beautiful and the sun is shining after a period of rain. Or hitting all green lights on the way to work. Find the silver lining and shift your perspective. When you focus on the positives, it can make the negatives seem less challenging.
Exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity can help you to look and feel better. Exercise releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters. And as you see yourself become more physically fit, it can help you to feel more confident. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and burn off excess energy.
Learn something new. Is there something that you have always wanted to try but never taken the time to do? Make it a point to learn something new. You may find that you are great at knitting, wood carving, painting, or martial arts. Or perhaps you want to start working on that degree or certification you’ve been thinking about. Rather than focus on what you think you can’t do, focus on what you can. You’ll never know unless you try.
Boosting your self esteem can support your recovery efforts. Many of these activities double as ways to resist temptation, overcome cravings, and make positive changes in your life. Feeling good about yourself can make your continued sobriety even more impactful. A major component of addiction recovery is change – changing your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and routines. A positive sense of self esteem can help you to be more open to embracing change.
If you or a loved one is ready to make positive changes in your life and overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol, contact Chapters Capistrano today. With flexible length of stay options, on-site detox, and scientific approaches to treatment, we can help you to regain control of your life and build a brighter future.
