Spending time alone, as many of us currently are, certainly puts into perspective the necessity for a healthy sense of self-esteem. Intellectually, we all know that the opinion we have of ourselves is the only one that really matters. Still, cultivating strong self-worth is not as easy as it seems. We’re constantly bombarded by messages from advertising and the media that tell us we should be wealthier than we are, thinner than we are, or more beautiful than we are. It’s up to us to decide what we’re worth. But there’s nothing wrong with taking a few steps to improve our self-esteem.

Get Your Body Moving

Thirty minutes of exercise every day can improve your mental health and self-esteem. There’s evidence that sedentary behavior can not only cause physical illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease but can exacerbate mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The best way to address issues of self-image and self-worth? Get your body moving! Studies show that engaging in a combination of cardio exercises like running, as well as stretch-based exercises like yoga and pilates, can improve brain function and self-esteem.

Brain Food is Soul Food

Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can frequently be the result of long experienced stress. One way to combat these issues is by adding antioxidants to your diet. Antioxidants found in strawberries, blueberries, acai berries, and other fresh fruit can help reduce oxidative stress. Vitamins A, C, and E can combat biochemical changes that are directly caused by stress and protect against future encounters with stress. Your overall well-being can be improved by adding some antioxidant-rich fruit to your life. Consider adding an acai bowl to your daily breakfast routine. Acai berries, pineapples, greens, mango, and coconut make for a delicious start to your day that will certainly help your mood and self-worth.

Be Mindful

According to the American Psychological Association, practicing mindfulness meditation can help improve self-worth and self-image. The practice of meditation encourages self-acceptance and self-love. You can either engage in meditation by following along with a guided practice or by repeating a mantra that means something to you. Take a comfortable, seated position and count your breaths with your eyes closed until you feel relaxed. Hold yourself with love and appreciate yourself for taking the time to meditate. A little meditation every day will certainly aid your self-esteem.

Change Up Your Messaging

While meditation will surely help to improve your self-worth, it’s important to practice self-love in your everyday life as well. One way to do this is to change the way you talk to yourself! We all struggle with this. Spend time every morning writing down a few things you’re grateful for. Throughout the day, whenever you find yourself practicing negative self-talk, acknowledge it and then turn it around. For example, if you feel like you’ve failed something, say “I’m going to persevere until I succeed.” Changing up your point of view can make a world of difference.

Chat With a Professional

While it’s important to make the decision to improve your self-image on your own, sometimes it’s a good idea to bring in the big guns. Seeking mental health treatment is a brave choice and one that can make a world of difference. If you decide to work with a therapist soon, keep in mind that you should find someone who offers online therapy services. Online counseling is widely covered by insurance and is as confidential and protected as in-person sessions. Working through live chat sessions and video conferencing, you’ll work with your therapist to address your specific needs. Online therapy could be the missing piece you need to address any issues of self-image.

Self-image is closely related to mental health and happiness. Conquering your self-doubt requires a holistic approach. Change up your diet, improve your exercise routine, and check-in with an online therapist. You’ll be feeling better in no time!