There are a number of activities that can be undertaken to help improve your self esteem. These can be done in the classroom, at home or in counseling sessions. Some can be done individually, while others are best done in a group setting.

One exercise for a group setting would be for everyone to take a piece of paper and write their name on it. Then the paper is passed around to the next person who then writes a comment on the paper about the person whose name is on the back. There is one key rule for this exercise – only positive things can be written. After all we are trying to build up others, not tear them down. I did one of these while in a Steven Covey class many years ago, I still have some of the cards with comments on them. It is nice to look back to what others had to say about me that I may not have believed for myself.

An example of an individual exercise would be to focus on writing about our self. While it is very easy for a person with low self esteem to write volumes about their problems and negative traits, it is not so easy for them to do the opposite. These people find it difficult to see their own value and self worth. Therefore it is difficult for them to write about the good things others see in them. Frankly since they do not appreciate themselves they very often fail to see their good points. So they should spend at least 10 minutes a day writing positive things about themselves, as well as the goals they would like to achieve. While this will take some time it will start a transformation in their behavior.

If you are looking for more examples of exercises look no further than the internet. There are many examples, types and styles of exercises for young and old alike. Go out and find them, you will find them rewarding opportunities to help those seeking to improve their self esteem.

Obviously each individual may have different symptoms and if very serious the best help is professional medical help. However before things get that bad you may want to take a look at the problem yourself. Firstly to workout if you definitely have the disorder and secondly to see if it is at all treatable by yourself. You may be sensing anxiety whenever in public or even just with a close friend, you may be feeling other symptoms, but don’t worry this disorder can be treated and you can readily get sensible help.

When you suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder you may find that different things trigger it to go into full effect. For some the mere thought of being in a public situation can onset anxiety, for others any social situation will be the trigger. The more chances that many eyes will be on you the more likely you are to get very anxious! Talking with your boss (or anyone in authority) or leading a meeting / discussion may not be possible for you. It could get so bad that you can’t even meet someone new, use a public bathroom or even stand being in a department store. You can quickly become a recluse and be seen as paranoid! This fear that people will think you are crazy could drive the probelm into even deeper issues!

Some symptoms are psychological and some physical. An upcoming social situation could bring on extreme stress, this could start weeks before an event! The sufferer may become unbearable self conscious which could be mistaken for paranoia. The extremely physical sympton is that of paralysis. A sufferer may actually be unable to move, talk or anything and could evn throw up or feint! This could also lead to heavy bretah, nausia and extreme muscle tension. Shaking is not uncommon and the heart may really start to thud. Other symptons could be sweating, clammy feet and hands and a wavering voice.

This may all sound too much in itself but great news is that many others have suffered and overcome this disorder. Help and treatment is easily within reach and you may be able to overcome your anxiety easier than you thought.