9 Tips To Start Improving Your Self-Esteem

     We might not be consciously aware of it, but self-esteem influences many of our important decisions in life, relationships, work, and even how we take care of our health. Thankfully, self-esteem is a mechanism of our mind we can alter to benefit us and help us lead happier lives.

     Consider implementing the following cognitive-behavioral therapy-inspired tips to boost your self-esteem:

9 Tips To Start Improving Your Self-Esteem
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1. Fake It Until You Make It

     Negative thoughts have a massive impact on our self-esteem, but so do our actions. This cliche exists for a reason, and that’s because acting like a confident person is typically followed by feeling like one. Pretending and acting as though you are this admirable, self-assured version of yourself you long to be will transform your mindset and, in time, will become second nature.

2. Use Positive Self-Talk

     Take a moment and listen to your thoughts about yourself when they come up. Are you calling yourself a failure or kicking yourself when you’re down? If so, make an active effort to be your own cheerleader. Instead, tell yourself things like, “I can do this!” or “everything is going to be okay.”

     A great exercise to help with positive self-talk is to ask yourself, would you say these things to yourself as a child? Or to your friends? Chances are you’d be compassionate and sympathetic, so off yourself the same grace. Forgive yourself; you’re only human.

3. Surround Yourself With Supportive People

     If you have low self-esteem, you’re likely to surround yourself with people who will reinforce that for you, according to a 2018 study. Researchers also found that individuals with low-self esteem will seek validation with methods such as complaining or sulking, which elicit a poor response from people and ultimately give the impression that no one cares about you. Take a look at the sort of people with who you surround yourself. Are they pushing you to be the best version of yourself?

4. Talk To A Therapist

     If making these changes on your own is becoming too complex, making these changes by working alongside a therapist may help them make a more significant impact on your life. Therapists can also help keep you accountable and guide you in taking these steps in a practical way instead of trying to do everything all at once, which we can all be guilty of.

5. Identify Where Your Negative Self-Image Comes From

     Getting to the root from which your low self-esteem originates is a significant step to take in eradicating it forever. Therapists come in handy for this too, but thinking back to when you first remember feeling poorly about yourself and making an effort to start dismantling those past experiences can be the start of a happier future.

6. Do Things You Enjoy

     This one seems like a no-brainer, but engaging in activities you enjoy will distract you from negative self-talk and may even make you feel productive in some way. Don’t forget to spend time with people who make you happy too! Self-isolation is a notorious conduit for perpetuating the idea that you’re not worthy of support when you most certainly are.

7. Engage In Self-Care

     Self-care is more than just taking a nap or doing your skincare routine; self-care also means nourishing your body and remaining physically healthy. Good physical health inevitably trickles into the quality of your mental health, so don’t forget to eat your fruits and veggies and engage in a fun form of exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. A relaxing walk or dancing like no one’s watching will do just fine!

8. Take A Break From Social Media

     Social media is a breeding hub of negative self-image. When you take a break from social media, you’ll get a dose of real-life and begin to realize that your feed is nothing but a careful curation of people’s best moments. Suppose you’re the sort of person who tends to compare themselves to others. In that case, a study in the journal Social Media and Society informs us that “social comparison negatively impacted self-worth.” It might be time for a social media detox.

9. Try Something New

     Feeling stagnant and stuck in a humdrum routine can contribute to our negative sentiments about ourselves. We can begin to define our worth by what we accomplish, or rather what we haven’t. Pick up a new hobby, try a new restaurant, take the long way to work. Adding some spontaneity to our routine is enough to elevate our moods.