When we think about our health and wellness, our attention naturally turns to physical health and how our body feels. But our mental health—and how we *feel*—is just as important to our overall health. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City wants to offer some tips for boosting your self-confidence. Build Your Confidence and Self-Esteem When you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, it can be hard to find time to see the positive in yourself. Honestly, it can be hard to find time to devote to yourself at all—nevertheless time to focus positive energy on your thoughts and feelings. But it’s still important. Instead of focusing on all the “shoulda, woulda, couldas” in life, it’s time to turn the tables and begin improving the way you feel about yourself. Let’s take a look at some ways you can begin seeing yourself in a better light during International Boost Self Esteem Month, and start praising yourself for all you are able to accomplish and how strong you are. For starters, think about how you talk to yourself. It’s often said that we say things to ourselves that we’d never say to someone else. It’s so true! We have high, often unrealistic expectations of ourselves. By continually talking down to yourself, you’re doing your health and wellness no favors. It’s important to start believing in yourself, giving yourself more flexibility—and celebrating even small successes. Instead of telling yourself that you should have had a dinner on the table by 5 p.m. for your family, praise yourself for the fact that you cooked your family dinner rather than stopping at a fast food restaurant! That healthy dinner you put on the table is far more important than the fact that it was a little later than you anticipated. Second, get your exercise on! Not only is exercise good for your overall physical health, but it can also do wonders for your mood. Exercise produces endorphins, which have been shown to boost your mood and help you feel more positive about yourself. Don’t try to stick with an activity you don’t love—keep experimenting until you find some type of exercise that gets you moving and that you enjoy. When you make fitness goals for yourself, make sure to celebrate the small achievements along the way! Little steps make a big difference! Therefore, the small achievements should be celebrated. Finally, surround yourself with positive people. We all have that person in our lives who seems to constantly be complaining or even criticizing. Spend less time with that person—and more time with supportive friends and family. Don’t isolate yourself either. Low self-esteem can make you want to stay indoors and shut the curtains, but that would be anything but helpful. Instead, call up a friend or two and meet for lunch! Or better yet, go for a walk around Fountain City Park! Not feeling like yourself lately? Visit AFC Urgent Care Fountain City today so that our medical team can help you determine the underlying cause and get you back to feeling your best!