Self-esteem is the degree to which the qualities and characteristics contained in one’s self-concept are perceived to be positive. It reflects a person’s physical self-image, view of their accomplishments and capabilities, and values and perceived success in living up to them, as well as the ways in which others view and respond to that person. The more positive the cumulative perception of these qualities and characteristics, the higher one’s self-esteem. A reasonably high degree of self-esteem is considered an important ingredient of mental health, whereas low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness are common depressive symptoms.
Here are a few tips to improve your self-esteem.
Be kind to yourself.
• Gain insight into yourself. Reflect on your strengths and challenges.
• Challenge the irrational thoughts.
• Say realistic, practical things to yourself instead of negatives.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others.
• Take some time out to do something nice for yourself.
Try to recognize the positives.
• Celebrate and acknowledge your success, whether it is big or small.
• Accept compliments when you receive them from others.
• You can ask others what they like about you. Other people might recognize and identify things that you don’t see in yourself.
• Keep track of your strengths and challenges.
Build a support network.
• We are social beings, and it is inevitable to live without social connection in life. Build a strong, supportive social network around yourself.
• Talk to someone you trust. Try to set aside time for social activities that suit you.
• Focus on healthy and positive relationships.
• Set healthy boundaries with the people around you.
• Be assertive
• Learn and practice saying no when you have to say no.
• Involve yourself in peer support or fellowship to keep you engaged.
• Let go of negative and discouraging people around you, or maintain a distance with negative people who try to pull you down.
Set yourself up for challenges.
• Try volunteering in an organization and contributing in some way.
• Set small, realistic goals for yourself.
• Learn something new, for example, a new language, instrument, or art work. When you become skilled in new things, it can boost your self-esteem.
Look after yourself.
• Prioritize yourself first; only when you are taken care of will you be able to effectively take care of people around you.
• Try to get enough sleep, engage in physical exercise, eat healthy food, and engage in leisure activities.
Stop being a people-pleaser.
• Low self-esteem issues can make us obligated to say yes to other requests. In some situations, we tend to give in and say yes because we need validation from others.
• Learn to get your validation from yourself.
• Learn to say no boldly to others in situations where you have to say no.
• You can offer help and support to others, but your self-esteem suffers because you associate your self-worth with what others do and say about you.
Forgive yourself
It is common for us to make mistakes and wrong decisions. It is an unavoidable part of life. In these situations, it is very common for us to be critical of ourselves.
• Learn to accept the mistakes and analyze how you can do better.
• Forgive yourself instead of blaming and loathing in regret and guilt.
• Learn to be resilient.
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