Dear MDECOE and greater community,
As we come to the close of this incredible academic year full of achievements but also many challenges, we have reason to feel a deep appreciation for ourselves and all that we’ve accomplished. Self-appreciation is an important skill for all of us to have according to several recent articles. With self- appreciation, we can reflect on our strengths, especially as we have pushed on even when facing obstacles, changes, and exhaustion. We all deserve self-appreciation for our great work in the last year and here are some reminders of how to do it:
1. Look back and reflect on where you’ve been in your life. One of the easiest ways to experience self-appreciation is practicing self-reflection. Reflecting gives you the ability to look at how things have gone. Looking back on where you came from can give you a sense of strength in truly understanding where you can go, and lead to optimism for the future (Open University, 2021).
2. Put time into your physical health. This includes eating food that is good for you and getting regular physical exercise. Science has shown that when you take care of your body and put time into your physical health, you can have a greater sense of appreciation for who you are and all that your body can do (Stonsy, 2021).
3. Put time into what you value. Find a sense of greater connection and meaning by reflecting on what you value. An article in Psychology Today indicates that you can quickly find what you value by appreciating those around you. To do this, think of people who you look up to or that are role models for you. Think about why those people are important to you and the values they embody. This may help you realize that you have some of the values as well (Selig, 2021).
4. Evaluate the way you talk to yourself. Sometimes our inner monologue is not our friend. When you start to doubt yourself over something you are about to do or have done, allow yourself to turn the fear and doubt into an opportunity, and instead make it positive. Oftentimes we leave ourselves off our gratitude list, but it is important to make sure remember all that you have done well. (Holland, 2020).
A recent article in Healthline (Holland, 2020) identifies the importance of positive self-talk as an important way to engage in self-appreciation. Positive self-talk should become your norm if it is not already. These tips can help:
- Find the humor. Laughter can help relieve stress and tension. When you need a boost for positive self-talk, find ways to laugh, such as watching funny animal videos or a comedian. And be able to laugh at life’s little oops, even if you did the oops!
- Surround yourself with positive people. Whether or not you notice it, you can absorb the outlook and emotions of people around you. This includes negative and positive, so choose positive people when you can.
- Give yourself positive affirmations. Sometimes, seeing positive words or inspiring images can be enough to redirect your thoughts to your own strengths. Post small reminders in your office, in your home, and anywhere you spend a significant amount of time.
To learn more about self-appreciation and positive self-talk, see these articles:
References
- Holland, K. (2020, June 27). Positive Self-Talk: How Talking to Yourself Is a Good Thing. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/positive-self-talk#examples-of-positive-self--talk
- The Open University. (2021). Self Reflection. https://www5.open.ac.uk/choose/unison/develop/my-skills/self-reflection
- Selig, M. (2021). 6 Ways to Discover and Choose Your Core Values. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201811/6-ways-discover-and-choose-your-core-values
- Stonsy, S. (2021). Anger in the Age of Entitlement How Much Do You Value Yourself? Https://Www.Psychologytoday.Com/Us/Blog/Anger-in-the-Age-Entitlement/201406/How-Much-Do-You-Value-Yourself. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/201406/how-much-do-you-value-yourself
For a list of other self-care options, please see our COE self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community at:
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
For all that you are an all that you have done this year, I appreciate you!
Warmly,
Shari