Self-Esteem, Self-Care

Today, I want to dive into something that might not always be obvious but has a huge impact on our lives: the connection between self-esteem and the way we care for our bodies. The choices we make (what we eat, how we move, whether we get enough sleep, even how we use substances) aren’t just about discipline or knowledge. They’re deeply connected to how much we feel we’re worth taking care of.

Research shows that people with high self-esteem are far more likely to engage in behaviors that support their physical health. They move their bodies regularly, eat balanced and nourishing meals, prioritize quality sleep, and generally make choices that sustain their long-term well-being. High self-esteem acts as a kind of inner compass, guiding decisions that align with caring for yourself.

On the flip side, when self-esteem is low or unstable, it can have serious consequences for your health. Low self-worth is linked to poor eating habits, more frequent alcohol use, inconsistent sleep, and neglect of preventive health measures. Many young adults, for example, engage in heavy episodic drinking or fail to eat enough fruits and vegetables. These behaviors aren’t just “bad habits”—they often stem from an underlying sense of not feeling deserving of care.

What’s really fascinating is that our self-esteem doesn’t develop in isolation. It’s shaped by early relationships, especially the kind of attachment we had with caregivers. Attachment styles (secure, anxious, fearful, avoidant) set the stage for how we value ourselves later in life. People with secure attachment tend to internalize positive self-esteem, which then supports healthier choices around exercise, nutrition, and sleep. On the other hand, those with insecure attachment (anxious attachment or fearful-avoidant attachment) often have lower self-esteem, which makes caring for their bodies more challenging.

I’ve seen this over and over, both in my own life and in the lives of the clients I work with. When we begin to strengthen our self-esteem, the way we treat our bodies shifts naturally. Eating well, moving, sleeping, and even saying no to harmful behaviors becomes less of a chore and more an act of self-respect. The inner compass that tells us we deserve care becomes stronger, guiding healthier choices every day.

The takeaway here is simple but powerful: taking care of your body starts with valuing yourself. Your sense of worth influences not just your relationships and emotions, but also the very practical ways you treat yourself day to day. Supporting self-esteem alongside fostering secure relationships isn’t just good for mental health—it’s essential for long-term physical health, too!