Emotional Fitness: Increase your self-esteem

There are many things you can do to help you feel good about yourself. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.
1. Organize your desk. Whereas Einstein did say that a clean desk was the sign of a sick mind, organizing yours will reduce the chances of you having a minor meltdown when you have to find that piece of paper in a hurry and will also give you a sense of accomplishment.
2. Learn a new computer program. The pride you will get from mastering or just understanding the basics of a computer is very empowering. Learning something new builds brain cells, increases feelings of positivity and helps to stave off Alzheimer's.
3. Fix something around the house. Saving a few bucks by doing it yourself has become the norm for many of us. Funny thing is, every time I put out a little energy on the house and am successful at the task, I actually feel better about myself. Try it.
4. Organize your photos. Whether on the computer or in albums, reviewing your history (or herstory) is a great way of seeing where you've been and how you've evolved over the years.
5. Keep a gratitude journal. The process is elegant in its simplicity: write down five things that you feel grateful about. If you do this on a daily basis, it will change the way you think and feel. The best time is just before bed, when the gratitude will flow into your subconscious as you sleep.
6. The world is your ally. Einstein also said: "We all need to see the universe as friendly." Making friends with life allows you to play with it as well as be a player in it.
7. Accentuate the positive. Of the gazillion thoughts we have each day, research has determined that 80 percent of them are negative. When you are able to learn to identify these downer moments and replace them with positive images, it's really empowering and makes your days nicer.
8. Build a support structure. Support groups were around well before psychotherapy. If you don't have friends, family or co-workers who support you emotionally, join a group or form one of your own.
9. Feel the love. Perhaps nothing makes you feel better about yourself than being loved by someone you admire. You don't have to be in a romantic relationship; what I'm talking about is unconditional love, which can come from anyone.
10. Get into good physical condition. Being fit is very important to your confidence, as well as your physical well-being. Exercise is your easiest, most accessible, and cheapest form of antidepressant.
So consider these steps, but don't try to do them all at once. Spend a few days working on one that resonates with you, and then try another.