Buy a new outfit or piece of clothing as a treat and then wear it. Pick out a special piece of clothing to wear that you associate with a happy time. Put on a piece of jewelry, such as earrings, that remind you of a special time or person. Looking at them throughout the day can help remind you how special you are.
Get a new hairstyle or just freshen up the one you have. The pampering at a salon will feel good and looking a bit more polished can also help you feel better. [5] X Research source Consider getting a special style just for the day if you don’t want to make a change. For example, if you have long hair, you could have your stylist give you an intricate braid or beachy ‘do. [6] X Research source Get a blowout. Allowing someone to wash your hair will help you relax and feel better and then getting your stylist to carefully blow dry your hair can leave you feeling happy and special for a couple of days. Go to a the barber shop for some pampering if you’re a man. Get a trim, a little styling, and maybe even a shave so you feel fresh and clean.
Buy something that you’ve really wanted. For example, if there’s a shirt or climbing ropes you’ve wanted, allow yourself to finally get them. Remember that you don’t have to break the bank. Even something as simple as a new nail polish or fishing lure can help you feel special. [9] X Research source
Schedule time at a spa for a massage, pedicure, or manicure. Although some men might consider them girly, these options can also be great ways to help men relax and feel doted upon. Personal training sessions or taking private lessons at something you love can also be a form of pampering yourself. The focus is on you and the trainer will likely give you a lot of support and praise. Pamper yourself at home, too. For example, you can set up your bathroom with candles and soothing music. Give yourself a hand and foot massage or invite your partner into your pampering zone and enjoy it together. [11] X Research source
Start small. You don’t have to give up anything to pursue new activities or dream. For example, maybe your dream is to spend a month in India looking at art. Buy yourself a book on Indian art and select places you’d like to visit. As time goes by, keep making steps to get you towards this goal. Have confidence in your decision. It can often take a while to master a new activity or even reach a dream. Continue to have confidence in what you’re pursuing to help remind yourself that you are special and deserve this.
Limit your exposure to stressful situations. If you can’t, take a deep breath and keep yourself from reacting immediately or at all to keep tension at bay.
Do something that you enjoy or don’t often get a chance to do alone. Leave any devices at home so that you can truly unplug and enjoy yourself. Remind yourself during your alone time that you deserve to relax and focus on you. Repeat a mantra to yourself. For example, “I’m really enjoying this walk through the fall leaves. Being in the sun and nature makes me feel beautiful and special. Good for me for taking the time off to enjoy this. ”[14] X Expert Source Jennifer Guttman, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 26 July 2021.
Start meditating and repeating mantras for five to ten 10 minutes a day and gradually increase your time. Practice in a quiet and comfortable place where no one can interrupt you. This can help you let go of negative thoughts or sensations. Sit upright and still and close your eyes. Breathe easily and evenly and don’t control your breath. Let it come and go as it will. Repeat a mantra to yourself after a few minutes. For example, you could say “I have much to offer the world and am special. I love and am loved. ”
Allow negative thoughts to come and go. They can be draining and undermine your self-esteem. [17] X Research source Seek the positive in every aspect of your life to boost your self esteem and remind yourself that you are special. [18] X Research source For example, if you fail a test, see what answers you did answer correctly and focus on those. Remind yourself, “I did a great job on that question and can use it to help me with others in the future. ” Studies have shown that staying positive can contribute significantly to success and happiness, which can make you feel special. [19] X Research source
Start by taking short walks. Even small amount of exercise can help you feel better. For example, go for a ten minute walk, which can help you relax as well as give you a chance to see all of the positive in your life. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Meeting fitness goals can help you feel special and help you achieve a more positive body image. [24] X Research source
Prepare yourself a favorite food or special meal a couple of times a week. You don’t need a specific reason, but either of these options may make you feel more special. Treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant when you can. Allowing someone to serve you can make you feel special.
Take a short nap of 20-30 minutes if you need one. [30] X Research source
Limit contact with negative forces as much as you can. [32] X Research source Lean on your group when you’re feeling down or not special. [33] X Research source Share special news or information with your group. They’ll often provide praise that can continue to help you feel special. [34] X Research source
Be aware that talking about your feelings may be more helpful than keeping them to yourself. [36] X Research source For example, you can say “I just don’t feel like I contribute anything to my team at work. ” Discuss this with your special person and accept that they’ll offer you reasons why you are special to the team — and her. [37] X Research source Make an appointment with a mental health professional if you don’t feel comfortable talking to family or friends. A therapist or counselor can often help you realize just how special you are. [38] X Research source
Give someone a hug or a kiss and hold her for just a second longer than usual. [40] X Research source Remind the person how special she is to you. [41] X Research source For example, you can say “You are such a special and important person in my life. ” Offer reassurance if the person is feeling down. In many cases, she’ll reciprocate when you need to feel special. [42] X Research source
Invite someone to a meal, event, or something else he enjoys. It doesn’t have to be anything grand, even the smallest of gestures can make you both feel better. [44] X Research source Give a small gift to someone else with a heartfelt card. For example, you could give your best friend a bottle of nail polish she wanted with a card letting her know how much she means to you. Likewise, you could invite a friend to go fishing and present him with a new lure you two had discussed. Consider volunteering at a local shelter or soup kitchen. Helping others may help them and you feel special.
