Emotional hygiene and the self-esteem diet

Today on my newsfeed The Self-Esteem Diet popped up. I was intrigued as it was a confusing title and I wasn't sure if it was referring to vegetables or body image. I was pleasantly surprised that it talked about habits of a different kind - not the usual food in mouth ones - but the choices behind the knowledge.  We know what is good for us; we know that we should eat the kale and avoid the cake. But, why do we continue to eat the (deliciously gooey chocolate) cake even though it makes us feel ill after we stuff our face. (That isn't just me, is it?) Our habits are based on choices that we make that are highly correlated with our self -esteem.

So, how do we build up our self-esteem? How do we create a good foundation that can support us in making good choices? By avoiding some "foods," eating some sparingly and stuffing our faces with others.

What are some foods to avoid?

Gossip -
Think about it. Does it really make you feel better about yourself by exposing others or speaking of their misfortunes? Keep the karma good. Don't give a damn.

Comparisons -
Stop it. You are you, they are them. This includes avoiding comparing yourself to others on social media. No one is you. Everyone is unique. Everyone's situation is unique. Self worth does not equal likes. Look to others for inspiration not a reason to dislike yourself.

Negativity -
Surround yourself with people and things that energise you and make you feel better, not worse.

What to eat in moderation?

Discomfort -
Step outside of your comfort bubble once in a while. It will feel weird and uncomfortable at first. You will feel vulnerable and uneasy but let me tell you, when you go through with it, you will feel a huge sense of achievement.

What to gobble up?

Gratitude -
That is, giving gratitude. What are you grateful for that you have? A bed, parents, a home? Legs, arms, a voice? A healthy, functioning, loving heart?

Which leads me to the next thing I found…The case for emotional hygiene. A TED talk on why we should treat our psychological health like we do physical health.

Why do we spend more time on our teeth then our mind?! Why is our physical health more important than our mental health? What do we teach our children - how to band-aid their knees but not soothe their mind? That cut could fester if we ignore it. Well, so could that negative state of mind.

If you had a cut on your arm, would you voluntarily deepen the wound? If it was on your leg and inhibited your walking, would you walk it off to make it better? Well, why do we encourage people to push through when they're feeling mentally crap?

Why do we value the body over the mind? Let's not. Let's encourage all types of personal hygiene - body and mind.

One last bit of the TED talk that I love. This is what I want to leave you with...

Why do people function below their actual potential? (Yes, I've mentioned this in a previous post. We have no clue what we are actually capable of!) We convince ourselves we can't succeed and then we believe ourselves! Our mind is hard to change once we become convinced. It is hard to break the negative cycle. But, focus on breaking it before it begins.

Our mind and feelings are not our trusted friends. I know, this is a weird and unnatural feeling concept. I want to trust myself but let's be honest with ourselves; we say mean things to ourselves. We talk ourselves down. We tell ourselves we are not pretty enough, not smart enough, not strong enough. Our mind is our moody friend. So, treat yourself as a good friend would. Say nice things to yourself.

So, protect yourself. Change a few simple habits. Build resilience through good mind and body "food."

The Self-Esteem Diet -

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/02/28/the-self-esteem-diet-simple-daily-guidelines/

The Case for Emotional Hygiene -