Importance of self- appreciation during this pandemic:

Each of us are going through a lot of emotional struggles during this quarantine. Most of us are stuck in a situation where we are not able to make any progress in life.
Here are certain things which we need to keep in mind and remind ourselves as we go through this tough face of life.
Treating ourselves well is very important. We need to give compliments, care and attention to ourselves. Most successful people around the world are the ones who believed in themselves. This way we gain great inner strength..
We at times, think about our mistakes more than we think about our successes. Appreciating ourselves helps the cognitive (thinking) parts to our neurons (nerve cells) bring in positive thoughts & behaviour. Self appreciation is an integral part of healthy mindset and positive life.  Self-Appreciation helps to prevents us from going through depression and anxiety too.
"The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." Says William James (American Philosopher and Psychologist). It's in our nature to be loved and accepted for who we are and to be appreciated.
“I accept myself as good enough always and I appreciate myself in any situation.”- The stronger the statement is, the more the individual can grow.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  says Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Philosopher).
Appreciating who you are is the secret for a strong foundation of an individual’s self-concept.
We need to remind ourselves from time to time that we are  dignified, deserving and worthy by existence. We don’t feel that way sometimes because of the wounds and the scars we carry from the past, or because of the uncertainty of the future.”
When we feel pity for ourselves, we become immersed in our own problems and think that we are the only ones suffering. Self-pity is about playing the victim in your life, and the individual gets stuck, blaming others and lose control of destiny. Self-pity doesn’t help the individual grow.
When we can’t appreciate ourselves, we become desperate for external appreciation. A healthy relationship with ourself  is very necessary. As Malcolm Forbes (American Entrepreneur) said, “Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.”
It’s not about becoming someone different but appreciating who you already are. And being at peace with your own company by acknowledging your beliefs, instincts, and accept both your flaws and successes.
Self-Appreciation is recognizing the value that lies within you, by  honouring your uniqueness, spend time listening to yourself and practice positive self-talk,.
You don’t have to achieve anything to appreciate yourself. Don’t wait for an occasion to appreciate yourself. Use kind words on yourself. There lies an opportunity to appreciate yourself every time you want to criticise and be harsh on yourself. You can maintain a gratitude journal for all that you have done to help yourself and the good the world has provided for you. Give yourself gifts, it could be materialistic or something like giving leisure time or making a good meal for yourself. Appreciating yourself is the foundation of a happy life.
Self-Appreciation  by  being compassionate and loving to ourselves  is not only the foundation of our lives, it’s also the foundation of a better world. The stronger it is, the more we can build together.

Swathi Priya. P
Counselling Psychologist
www.mindmake-upclinic.com