How to boost self-esteem?

[roomby]

When you're having one of those days and you feel fat, ugly and useless, what do you do to make yourself feel better, and does it work?

[katejess]

Look around you at all the people who are fatter, uglier and even more useless than you feel you are and you should soon feel a bit better. If that doesn't work, spend some time alone in a room and scream, shout, punch walls and wail like a banshee until you feel better...it works for me!

[d+dwidow]

hahahaha, katejess that was exactly what I was going to write! I know it sounds really horrible, but standing next to someone who's a lot fatter/uglier/less intelligent than me always makes me feel as if things aren't actually that bad.

[treaclefight]

oh dear, i dont think there is a quick fix on the day, i would recommend chocolate, glass of wine, spliff and bed, write the day off, tomorrow will be better. (this works for me)

[gilf]

Sadly treaclefight I think things like chocolate will only lead to becoming more fat and then hating yourself more. I think its a difficult question to answer. What about trying to do some voluntary work they will really appreaciate it and would make you feel like your not useless. They would'nt judge you on such stupid things as weight etc.

[woodpam]

I don't know if this works for everyone, but depending on the circumstances I wear different colours. For example, if I'm doing a presentation I will wear something black or navy and slimming and relly striking jewellery, spend extra time on my make up etc. If I need cheering up I'll wear something red or bright blue and in both cases just get on with the day. It's shallow to admit that the outside appearance has such an effect on mood, but it does for me. By the time a couple of people have said "you really suit that colour" I feel a bit better. I'm old enough to know that if I just plod on with life the down feelings will pass eventually. Another thing that works for me is thinking of three things I'm really grateful for in my life and writing them down. Once when I was doing some family research and looking through the deaths register I saw how many small chidren were entered who had died below the age of five. I have three children, two of whom have survived potentially fatal diseases and I immediately felt amazed that I could ever forget how lucky I am. Instant happiness!

[nykkieberry]

If you are having an 'off' day, thrash it out at the gym. it will make you feel more confident, energised and happier with yourself! It will also release endormorphines - nature's happy hormones! Then have a nice bath and pamper yourself - that takes care of the fat and ugly. If you feel like this a lot, then the question runs a bit deeper. Maybe it's PMT? Try Evening Primrose and a natural diuretic and again, exercise. Also treat yourself! If it's a deep rooted problem, maybe a boss or partner or childhood experience that is undermining your confidence, then you need to address that. Alcohol can also have this effect if you have drank for consecutive nights - get an early night, right the day off and start afresh!

[melandraf]

...try to think of all the reasons your best mate, bloke or family, Mum, Dad, Auntie, pet cat or next door neighbour would tell you.... That you are fantastic, beautiful, clever, articulate, witty, tell a great knock-knock joke etc..