I walked in on Dino doing the craziest thing I have ever seen—saying HI to the sun! When Dino caught me staring at him aghast, he blurted out, “What? This is my self-esteem activity for the day!”

I would have thought Dino was just getting in touch with his schizophrenic tendencies. But when Dino began explaining to me about his so-called self esteem activities, I began to think that maybe I am the one with schizophrenic tendencies for not knowing about them. According to Dino, self esteem activities are simple activities that help individuals build self-esteem in just an hour a day. They help reaffirm one’s worth and increase self-confidence. Here are a few daily activities Dino sneaks in his everyday schedule to help him boost his self-esteem:

• Write down five things you’re good at and tack it on the ceiling. Give at least five minutes to read the words before starting the day.

• Keep a thought for a day calendar – you get a mouthful of uplifting messages along with your daily dosage of caffeine.

• Have an inspirational or self-help book handy in your bag or car when you go nuts over waiting in line, traffic, or being in an elevator.

• Be a singing sensation—in the bathroom! Choose a song that describes what you want in life and belt it out in the shower. This releases endorphins and helps in blood circulation.

• Set aside an hour during the weekends to accomplish small tasks such as planting flowers.

• Make your bathroom mirror a collage of affirmations! So every time you brush your teeth, you can look in the mirror and repeat three things you like about yourself!

• Capture moments and preserve them for a lifetime by keeping a journal.

• Smile—it’s not as hard and it won’t cost you a penny.

• Take time to do things you enjoy but also learn something new.

• Have a sense of humor! Jokes literally litter everywhere! Do everyone a favor and pick them up!

• Do silly things—and do them one more time!

• Let your creativity flow—write a poem, paint a picture, do a sculpture.

• Think of somebody you love.

• Clean your bathroom. Remodel your room.

• Make some lists: 20 things you know how to do, 5 great achievements in your life, 10 strengths you have, etc.

• Talk to people. Someone under age 6—it’s fun. Talk to someone over age 70—it’s full of wisdom.

• Have, or better yet, give a massage! Personal touch can give you wonders!

How do you gain self-esteem for free? Simply have fun and do the things you enjoy the most. You don’t need money nor do you need to be a genius to build self-esteem. Appreciating and doing the tiny tasks (and even just a little “me” time) will create the happiness you are searching for. Self esteem activities can help you love your self, love others, and love life.