5 Ways To Boost Yourself Emotionally

Taking care of your emotional health is as important as taking care of your physical body. If your emotional health is out of balance, you may experience high blood pressure, ulcers, chest pain, or a host of other physical symptoms.

When you feel good about yourself, it's much easier to cope with life's little ups and downs as well as bigger events, such as divorce or a death, says Jeff Gardere, PhD, a clinical psychologist and an assistant professor of behavioral medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City.

Here are 5 ways you can practice better stress management and boost your self-esteem. These strategies will help you stay resilient through everyday stresses and when larger personal issues arise.

* Grow Your Circle of Friends to Expand Your Support System

It's very important that you have a support group of friends and family. "You need people whom you can talk to about your problems people who will listen to you when you need to get things off your chest so that you know you're not alone in whatever it is."

* Learn More to Lessen the Fear of the Unknown

Knowledge is power. If you have a problem, learn whatever you can about the issue or the health condition you're facing. The more you know, the less you will fear what might happen.

* Get Moving to Improve Mood and Lessen Anxiety

Any form of exercise that you enjoy will do. Regular exercise works as a good partner for people who are on medication. Exercise also works well for people who have mild or moderate depression and don't need to be on medication. Think of it as a great tool for stress management.

* Have Sex to Build Confidence and Self-Worth

Intimacy within a committed relationship has all sorts of emotional benefits it can help make you feel good about yourself and boost self-esteem. Figure out a schedule that works for you and your trusted partner that could be once a week or three times a week or twice a month.

* Develop a Passion by Investing Time in a New Hobby

Everyone should have at least one hobby, Gardere says, whether it's taking care of plants, collecting antiques, or listening to music. You should do something that brings you some real joy a passion that's all yours and that no one can take from you. Having a hobby and taking pride in it is a great way to boost self-esteem.