Improve Your Self-Esteem

A healthy self-esteem is important in everything we do; it affects our work, establishes good relationships, and gives us confidence to try new things. You deserve to feel good about yourself, even in times of stress. Below are tips to help you feel more confident. You may find that as you work these changes into your life, your self-esteem will continually improve.

• Pay attention to your own needs and wants. Listen to what your body, mind, and heart are telling you. Focus on healthy and positive thoughts about yourself. Consider making a list of things you enjoy doing and then do something from that list every day.
• Take good care of yourself. Treat yourself as a best friend might treat another. If you work at taking good care of yourself, you will find that you feel better about your whole self. Eat well, get outside, and incorporate self-care.
• Make your space a place that honors the person you are. Display items that inspire you or that remind you of your achievements, special moments, or people in your life.
• Do things that make use of your own special talents and abilities. For instance, if you are good with your hands, then make things for yourself or someone you love. If you like animals, teach a dog some tricks.  
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn something new or improve your skills. Take a class or go to a recreation center, ask someone to teach you how to do something you have always wanted to do.
• Get something done that you have been putting off. Clean out that drawer. Do that chore. Write that letter. Pay that friend. Checking things off your to-do list will give you a sense of accomplishment and will motivate you to keep going.
• Do something nice for another person. Smile at someone who looks sad, say a few kind words to the check-out cashier, or help someone with an unpleasant chore. Stepping up to accomplish a kind act can remind that you have the power and ability to help others.
• Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself. Pay attention to the people that give you energy and surround yourself those who respect you and treat you well.

Your Employee Assistance Program is Here to Support

If you struggle with low self-esteem, your Component Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help. EAP provides free and confidential counseling and information to help you cope with your feelings. EAP support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information or for help in contacting your EAP, contact your DHS Work-Life specialists at worklife@hq.dhs.gov.