How to Support and Encourage Yourself

Co-authored by Nicole Moshfegh, PsyD

Last Updated: September 25, 2021 References Approved

Many times people feel dissatisfied because they don't feel appreciated by others. That's understandable. Of course we all long to be valued by others. But if our happiness depends on the encouragement of others, we may at times find ourselves being needlessly discouraged. The solution is to encourage yourself! Here are some ways to do just that.

1

Be proud of yourself.

Whether it is because of a small accomplishment or just life in general, you have to believe in yourself. If self esteem is an issue for you, try therapy or do some research on the subject. You can't encourage yourself if you don't like yourself.^{[1]
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Research source}

2

Try being your own best friend.

Talk to yourself like you would to a friend who needed motivation, and try to figure out what's wrong. Take 20-30 minutes to reflect on why you feel down or upset. Acknowledge and validate your own feelings, just like you'd empathize with a friend.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Nicole Moshfegh, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.} Say things like "I know it's hard but you can do it," or, "By this time tomorrow, it will be all done."^{[3]
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Research source}

3

Keep a good sense of humor.

It helps tremendously!^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

4

Spend some time on a hobby.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Engaging in hobbies, whether an old past time or a new interest can be a great way to unwind and focus on yourself.

5

Reach out to others who can encourage you.

It can be hard to accept and validate your feelings on your own. Connect with a friend, family member, or loved one to lift your spirits and get a boost in emotional support.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Nicole Moshfegh, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.}^{[7]
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Research source}

6

If you can get out some, then think about what encourages you.

Many people find that doing things for others helps their own problems feel smaller, or at least it gets the problems off their mind for a little while.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

7

Exercise.

Walk outside or on your treadmill, ride a stationary bike, do yoga. You can choose the kind of class you'd feel most comfortable in, or you can practice yoga at home with music of your choice. The stretching and de-stressing techniques are excellent. Or you can jog, or belly dance, or whatever feels wonderful to your body. Just 15, 30, or 45 minutes a day will help your metabolism, which in turn helps your mood.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
American Psychological Association
Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists
Go to source}
- Take a look at what activities you've been engaging in. Are you spending the majority of your time doing things that are draining you? Do you need to give yourself more time to take a break and unwind and relax? Go do something exciting and fun to lift your spirits.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nicole Moshfegh, PsyD
  Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.}

8

Eat good food.

Add fresh foods and whole grain foods; go organic on some things if you would like to.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

9

Play music.

Whatever kind of music lifts your spirits, play that for yourself. You can keep a radio or stereo on so that you can hear it in the background wherever you are.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}