How to boost your self-esteem

Self-esteem is a person’s overall subjective evaluation or perception of their own worth or value. It is how a person views and feels about themselves, their abilities, their accomplishments, and their role in the world.

People with high self-esteem tend to have a positive self-image and view themselves as competent, worthy, and deserving of respect and love. They are more likely to take risks, pursue their goals, and handle difficult situations with confidence.

On the other hand, people with low self-esteem tend to have a negative self-image and view themselves as inadequate, unworthy, and unlovable. They may be hesitant to take risks, avoid challenges, and struggle with self-doubt and self-criticism.

Why is self-esteem important?

 Having a healthy self-esteem is an important aspect of mental health and well-being.

Self-esteem and mental health are closely linked. When a person has low self-esteem, it can contribute to the development of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and low mood. Conversely, having high self-esteem can act as a protective factor against mental health issues.

Having high self-esteem can help people cope with stress and adversity, leading to better mental health outcomes. People with high self-esteem tend to be more resilient and are better able to handle setbacks and challenges.

Top tips to boost self esteem

Boosting your self-esteem can take some effort and time, but it is worth it. Improving self-esteem can also have a positive impact on mental health. This can be achieved through various means, such as therapy, positive self-talk, practicing self-compassion, and engaging in activities that promote self-care and self-growth.

Here are some tips that can help:

• Identify negative beliefs: First, you need to identify the negative beliefs you have about yourself. These may be beliefs that you’ve held for a long time and may be so ingrained that you don’t even realize you have them. Take some time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions and try to identify patterns in your thinking.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Once you’ve identified your negative beliefs, challenge them. Ask yourself if they are really true, or if there is evidence to support them. Often, negative beliefs are based on limited or biased information. Try to look at yourself and your experiences in a more balanced and realistic way.
• Focus on strengths: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Everyone has strengths and things they are good at. Think about what you do well and what others appreciate about you. This can help to counteract negative beliefs and build your confidence.
• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned or when you make mistakes. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that they are an important part of learning and growth.
• Take care of yourself: Taking care of your physical and mental health can also help to boost your self-esteem. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.
• Surround yourself with positive people: Surround yourself with people who are positive and supportive. Spend time with people who appreciate and value you for who you are. This can help to reinforce positive beliefs about yourself.
• Practice gratitude: Finally, practice gratitude. Take time to appreciate the good things in your life, and focus on what you are thankful for. This can help to shift your focus from negative to positive and improve your overall mood and well-being.