How to Improve Self Esteem

No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. “ Eleanor Roosevelt.

This quote essential captures the essence of self-esteem. Put simply, self-esteem implies self-worth. It is about, who we are and how we value ourselves. It is about knowing one's strength and weaknesses and accepting it.There are many reasons why people experience low self-esteem “ fear of failure, certain life experiences, stressful and demanding job, etc., can be some of the reasons. But, the good news is that there are some great practical ways to improve self-esteem. Here are a few of our top tips can help one in improving their self-esteem.

– Don't compare yourself with others: Comparing yourself with others is the worst thing that you can do for your self-esteem. However well to do you may be, there will always be someone who are better than you. Trying to exceed other's achievements is losing game as you will likely have to outdone too many people. So, instead focus on being the best you can be.

– Feel good about yourself: If you can't feel good about yourself, no one else will. If you do a job well or meet a target you set for yourself, compliment yourself for it. When we feel good about the things we do and achieve our self-esteem improves.

– Stop criticizing self: There is a difference between self-introspection and self-criticism. If you have only negative things to say about yourself, you are working towards depreciating your own image. Be it about your relationships, appearances, financial situations, career, etc., always emphasize about the positives.

– Associate with positive people: When you have positive people around you, their positivity rubs off on you. Positive people are encouraging and supporting and they help in boosting your self-esteem.

– Exercise regularly to keep fit: Being healthy and fit can do wonders for improving your self-esteem. So, make it a habit to exercise at least 30 minutes every day. By improving your physical strength, you will sense a feeling of empowerment which will definitely boost your self-esteem.

– Focus on Your Positive Qualities: People often make the mistake of dwelling on their inadequacies which in turn make them feel low about themselves. You should instead work on making a list of the positive qualities about yourself. Are you generous, kind, honest, courteous, etc.? Just make a list and refer to this list whenever you need motivation.

– Smile Often: There is a saying “ smile goes a mile. When one smiles chemical changes occur in the body. Blood flows into the brain and it can make you feel happier and relieve you of any stress and anxiety. Endorphins “ the feel good hormones are released that boosts your moos and enhances your self-esteem.

– Do what you love to do: It is important for one to engage themselves in work they enjoy “ be it a hobby, a part time side job or social work activity. One cannot feel good about themselves when they feel that they are stuck in a job they don't love. For your self-esteem to soar indulge yourself in activities and work that make your feel good and valuable.

– Treat Yourself: Rewarding yourself with small treats every day is a great way to feel good about self. It doesn't need to be a big thing “ small and simple things like reading a book, talking a walk in the park or a good head massage in a massage parlor, etc., are good enough.

People who have high self-esteem appreciate their own worth and they feel good about themselves, and about their achievements and abilities. Having high self-esteem doesn't mean that one is more able or is devoid of faults, it simply means that they accept who they are and are happy with it.

References

https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/10/30/6-tips-to-improve-your-self-esteem/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/self-esteem/art-20045374