Page 12 - HLIF Manual

RESPECT & SELF- ESTEEM

readily attainable. It may take some time and extra practice, but everyone can improve their self- esteem
with patience.

Try practicing a few of these techniques:
• Managing thoughts through mindfulness. People control their own thoughts. When experienc-
ing a negative thought about oneself, it’s okay to say “Stop!” and replace that thought with posi-
tive self-talk, such as “I can do this.”
• Taking pride in accomplishments, ideas, and opinions. Each individual is unique, which is what
makes the world a wonderful place. Being kind to oneself and accepting differences in self and
others can boost self-image.
• Goal setting. Setting goals, even big goals, helps to boost self-esteem. When people reach goals
they’ve set for themselves, they feel accomplished and proud. Celebrating the attainment of a
goal internally helps to boost self-esteem.
• Doing something for someone else. Volunteering or simply helping someone in need of
assistance - no matter how big or small the task - boosts confidence.
• Facing and conquering anxieties or fears. Sometimes conquering a fear can make a person feel
strong, powerful and on top of the world. What better way to feel good about oneself than the
feeling of having conquered something that was scary or challenging?
• Taking pride in what can be done and accepting what can’t be done. Everyone has strong suits
as well as limitations. Accepting limitations is a part of celebrating abilities and is important for a
healthy self-esteem.
• Focusing on positive attributes. By focusing on things one does well, the brain can be trained to
consistently focus on the positive.

Learning to have patience with oneself can take time if it’s lacking, but patient self-acceptance is
achievable by anyone. Having a healthy self-esteem has an incredible amount of benefits, including re-
duced stress and generally more contentment and happiness. Contentment and happiness are what make
life joyful. It’s possible to train the brain to have high self-esteem through some patience and practice.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: EXPLORING FEELINGS

TIME MATERIALS
10-15 mins WHITEBOARD OR POSTER PAPER
MARKERS OR COLORED PENCILS
PAPER
ACTIVITY
- Discuss positive self-talk. Positive self-talk is telling ourselves positive things. When we use pos-
itive self-talk, feelings about ourselves improve and can actually help us to do things that may be
difficult.
- Examples of positive self-talk include: “I can do it,” “I am strong,” “I am creative.”
- Brainstorm “I am” statements on the whiteboard.
- Allow participants to share with the group.
- Discuss when it might be helpful to use positive self-talk and “I am” statements in life.
COACH’S NOTES
Another option for practicing positive self-talk is to ask participants to assume a balance pose, such as
“tree” pose (standing on one foot). While participants are standing in tree pose, ask them to think, “I
am balanced,” “I am strong,” “I can do this.”

AFTER THE LESSON, COMPLETE UPFITNFUN.COM WEEK 1 FITNESS ACTIVITY AS A TEAM.
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