• Be yourself—avoid comparing yourself to others. Accept yourself as you are now, but be willing to change. Be honest, honor your integrity and be emotionally open.

• Look people directly in the eyes—avoid staring or glaring. When you communicate, concentrate on direct eye contact. This is an important non-verbal indicator of self-confidence and shows interest in the other person.

• Find positive attributes in people. It is easy to find fault and negatives. Illuminating another’s positive attributes enhances their self-esteem and yours. You cannot recognize a positive attribute in another without having the same attribute. Thus, when you illuminate another’s positive attribute you are illuminating your own as well.

• Write all the positive attributes about yourself and others—you can use this as a reminder when things seem difficult in the relationship.

• Smile! Your smile is your best feature. Your smile is the window to your inner being—let your light shine for others to see.

• Be affectionate daily with your significant other. Research shows that people who regularly give and receive affection live longer and are less stressed. Make a habit of greeting a loved one with a hug and a kiss.

• Set boundaries—no matter how difficult—to take care of yourself.

• Be clear about who you are and what you want—your limits regarding time, money, and things you will or won’t engage in.

• Share your dreams, wishes and hopes—knowing that you might not complete them. Encourage your significant other/friends to share theirs.

• Explore the options for taking care of recreational needs. Make a list of likes and dislikes and share this list with your significant other/friends. Ask them to share their needs as well.

• List your priorities and do more things that give you energy.

• Have fun—skip, sing, dance, be silly—let yourself be carefree.

• Take a mental health day (R&R) without guilt or regret. Read a book, garden, take a walk, climb a hill, be near water, nature and fire, or sit and do nothing.

• Give undivided time and attention each week to those close to you.

• Say, ‘NO’ without guilt or regret to requests outside your energy/boundary level.

• Make time for friends. Friendships need nurturing.

• Remember time spent with someone is a way of showing love.