How to improve your self-esteem

Occasionally, we have doubts about ourselves. These doubts are capable of affecting every facet of our lives, including our health. Low self-esteem leave you feeling sad and insecure.

How often do you click the like button, as regards the things you do or say to yourself? Low self-esteem might be as a result of one or more of the following:

• A failed relationship
• Abuse
• Health challenges
• Financial struggles
• Body-image problems
• Bullying
• Discrimination

How people have treated you in the past, and the impact of social media, can greatly affect or shrink your self-esteem. Coming from a critical or abusive background, is probably the biggest self-esteem killer.

Some parents do abuse their children, and make them feel bad about themselves. Some were told they were of no or limited potentials, and would never amount to anything.

It is necessary to identify the problem, so as to be able to tackle it. Below are some of the ways you can improve or boost your self-esteem:

Learn to love yourself

How do you perceive yourself?

Each time you look in the mirror, how do you feel about yourself? This isn’t about being pompous. It is about appreciation for oneself.

Express gratitude

What are those things you have already? Be grateful for them, and do not give much thought to the things you lack. Voice out those blessings.

Move on

Don’t let the pain of the past, such as the abusive words of your parents or teachers, a failed relationship or bullying, kill your self-esteem totally. Learn to move on from the past.

Do more of the things you love

Is it writing, singing, painting, dancing or gardening? Do more of the things you love or enjoy. This can be fulfilling.

Stop the negative self-talk

Oh, damn it! I can’t do anything right. I’m such a nitwit. My life has no meaning.

What do you stand to gain by calling yourself a fool, failure, loser; putting yourself down? You are not worthless. No one is. Stop emphasizing the things you don’t like about yourself. Treat yourself kindly.

Learn to forgive yourself

Your past mistakes doesn’t make you a horrible person. The mistakes you made ages ago doesn’t define you. They are only meant to guide you.

Be proud of yourself

Celebrate those victories, no matter how little or mighty. Reflect on the things you have accomplished, and appreciate how far you have come.

Practise self-care

If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?

Get rid of those coping mechanisms, by investing in your wellness. Eating a truckload of junk food, or drinking excessively, isn’t going to make you feel any better. Take good care of yourself, both on the inside and outside. Learn to eat healthily, and do some exercise, such as meditation.

Thinking positively

Change how you feel about yourself, by changing your thoughts. Do away with those limiting beliefs about yourself. This can help a lot in defeating those negative thoughts.

Learn new things

Learn a new skill. This could be gardening, painting, or weaving. Learn something creative. Challenge those negative beliefs about yourself.

Read uplifting content

Pick up an inspirational book, read uplifting blog posts, or surf the web for some motivational content.

Stop comparing yourself with others

Stop measuring your successes against someone else’s. Doing so might create discontentment.

Send your photo to a space agency

Don’t forget to send your “selfie” to NASA, because you are a STAR!