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Are you looking for ways to boost self-esteem? Having high self-esteem requires a conscious effort to redirect your brain away from self-defeating thoughts. Even with social media "standards" of beauty and the uptick in COVID-19 cases, it's important for your mental health to think on purpose.
Statistics reveal that about 68% of youth witnessed a downturn in their mental health, especially during the lockdown period, making it essential to be intentional about your self-esteem and mental well-being. Are you wondering how you can boost your self-confidence and improve how you view yourself? Here are four practical ways to do so.
Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is the thief of joy. ~ President Teddy Roosevelt
You might compare yourself to others. However, if you catch yourself doing so, be aware of the thoughts and feelings that come from it. You may fall into the trap of thinking you don't measure up or they're better than you. That could trigger feelings of inadequacy and failure, which are not useful.
There's a difference between learning to improve yourself and wanting to be someone else. This can happen if you believe everything you see on social media... Every perfect picture, every happy post, every house cleaner than yours. People tend to broadcast their successes, not their struggles.
Instead, focus on your strengths and work to improve the areas of your life where you see you need the growth.
Gain a New Skill
Personal development is crucial in enhancing your self-esteem, as it helps sharpen your strengths. Learning something new is great for this. Finding things in line with your interests renews your sense of purpose. It enables you to identify what you can do to impact yourself and those around you.
Thankfully, there are many resources online to help you get started. Doing this has a few benefits:
- Positions you to take on new and rewarding challenges.
- Reminds you that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
- Boosts your confidence.
Surround Yourself With Positive Energy
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. ~ Jim Rohn
The people you listen to and spend time with matter if you want to boost self-esteem. Don't be afraid to distance yourself from people who are an emotional and energetic mismatch.
Who would you rather listen to and be influenced by? A friend who is living her life on purpose, encouraging you, and generally upbeat? Or a friend who always complains and drags the mood down whenever you see her?
Surround yourself with people who believe in you. With people who value you, and are ready to lend a listening ear whenever you need it.
Don't forget to establish boundaries, though.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Your schedule may be packed. That's okay. But, it's vital to find time for yourself to reinvigorate. Experiment to find a self-care routine that helps boost your self-esteem. As you show kindness to others, don’t forget to be kind to yourself as well. There are many practical ways to practice self-care, including:
- Exercise
- A healthy diet
- Engaging in a hobby you love
Doing any of these even for just a few minutes a day can go a long way to improving self-esteem, physical appearance, mental health, and life overall.
As you experience the various phases of life, there’ll be times where you may deal with low self-esteem. However, don’t be too hard on yourself; get back up, try again, and remember, you’re unique, and there’s no one else like you in the entire world!
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