by Laura Caine

Created on: February 26, 2008   Last Updated: March 04, 2011

The true meaning of respect starts with respecting ourselves. If we can't do that, we can't respect anyone else. It may be easy to say, but how do we go about learning to respect ourselves? The best way is to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It's a daily undertaking to meet our own needs while still respecting those around us.

PHYSICALLY

An important component of taking care of ourselves physically is making sure we get enough rest, exercise, eating a proper diet, and good grooming habits. Most people need about eight hours of sleep per night; some more, some less. Find the amount that's ideal for you and adhere to your schedule, even on weekends. Exercise is another way to respect your body. This means setting up an exercise schedule at least three or four times a week, as well as making good decisions during the day to help you get more exercise. For example, if you have a choice between taking that parking space closer to the store or mall, or parking further away, what do you think would allow you to get more exercise? Always look for opportunities to work extra activity into your day. Lastly, always eat a balanced diet including at least five fruits and vegetables daily, preferably covering all the colors of the rainbow. Red peppers, oranges, carrots, squash, broccoli, spinach, blueberries, and grapes are all colorful choices that many people like. It should go without saying that excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs are counterproductive to having respect for oneself. Finally, good grooming goes a long way toward making you feel good about yourself, as well as getting a good response from others. Clean, trimmed hair, manicured nails, modest, but fashionable clothing, and good dental health are all indications that we're taking care of, and respecting ourselves.

MENTALLY

How many times at our jobs or school do we find ourselves becoming overwhelmed with the amount of work we have to do? Part of the reason this happens is because we've been lax in planning a realistic schedule. There are 24 hours in a day, eight of which we should spend asleep. With our waking hours, it's important to schedule them productively and efficiently. Set aside time to study or work on that project that's been hanging over your head. How many times have we waited until the last minute to tackle studying for tomorrow's test? This may mean pulling an all-nighter, which means we're sleep deprived going into the

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