5 ways to improve self-esteem
We all have struggled with our self-esteem at one point or another in life.
Maybe you are experiencing a change in life circumstances and feel your self-esteem has taken a hit. Or you have always struggled with self-esteem. Most commonly when people come to me with concerns about low self-esteem they describe things like negative self-talk, negative body image, or feeling like they will never achieve life goals they have.
Self-esteem is much bigger than just feeling like you are less than. It is much more complex than just reading daily affirmations to yourself in the mirror. Although that is beneficial too. Often after working with clients some light sheds on several factors that contribute to our low self-esteem. Regularly there are lack of boundaries, people pleasing tendencies, and fear about how others view us. To really improve our self esteem sometimes we need to look at the behaviors that contribute, beyond just our negative thinking. Usually, as we work on improving these behaviors, we will see an increased self-esteem. Here is a list of the 5 things you can work on to improve your self-esteem, from Maria, a mental health therapist who wants to see you thrive. I specialize in working with women and young adults providing self-esteem and life transition therapy. I help young adults and women overcome insecurities and step into new seasons of life confidently.
Set healthy boundaries
Are you setting healthy boundaries with yourself and others? We want to move away from people pleasing and towards direct and healthy communication. We are responsible for creating and maintaining healthy relationships. Healthy relationships are only possible with healthy boundaries. If you don’t know how to tackle this task consider the setting healthy boundaries group or indvidual therapy.
Prioritize taking care of yourself
Yes, in all the boring, I already know that ways. Are you getting enough sleep, getting activity, and eating a variety of foods? We cannot expect our brains and bodies to function at their best if we are not providing a good habitat. I know it may not be the quick fix you are looking for, but taking care of your body really does wonders for mental health.
Remind yourself of the good things about you
How often do you think about all the accomplishments you have made? Or the great qualities about you? Your brain can only adopt new patterns of thinking if we provide it with other information. Remind yourself often of the things that are going well in life, even if they seem small and meaningless.
Get involved with something
Have you been maintaining friendships? How about hobby activities? As humans we get a sense of reward when we do meaningful things or when we are helpful to other humans. Consider volunteering or helping a friend.
Treat yourself with unconditional positive regard
You know the way that you greet your dog in the morning or giggle when a toddler walks through the store in rain boots, a fancy dress, and a baseball cap. Find that same compassion for yourself. If you wouldn’t say it to a puppy or a child do not say it to or about yourself. Notice what you are saying in your head and maybe even out loud and commit to a kinder narrative.
Self-esteem is not going to improve overnight. We know that a lot of factors are at play, and it might take time to really figure it all out. Give yourself grace and patience. If you feel like you would benefit from additional education, tools, or support find that. If you have not tried therapy, and think it could help, there is no better time than now. There is never a wrong time to prioritize your mental health and improve your self-esteem.
