Self-esteem exercise

Self-esteem helps people feel they can develop their own skills and contribute to their community. It enables them to try new things without fear of failing, to reach out and make friends, and to manage problems they are likely to meet along the way.

To build self esteem:

• Avoid comparing yourself with others
• Look after your body
• Manage stress and negative emotions: if you find yourself angry, sad, and anxious, stop and take action
• Nourish your relationships. Treat others the way you would like to be treated
• Learn from your mistakes
• Practice self-acceptance: accept what you can’t change, and also what you can value.

Guidelines for practice

Before listening to these audio files:

• Please set yourself up to be comfortable
• Ensure you can't hear the phone if it rings
• Wear comfortable clothing and choose a time when you are unlikely to be disturbed.

Contraindications

If you have a tendency to dissociate (e.g. feel like you are not in your body), have a history of childhood abuse/trauma, and/or experience psychosis, it is strongly recommended that you do not use this visualisation exercise except with the assistance of a mental health professional.

Introduction to self esteem audio file (MP3 1.6 MB)

Download Self esteem audio file (MP3 11.6 MB)

Bush place relaxation audio file (MP3 7.5 MB)