Self-esteem and how you feel about yourself is something that can constantly go up and down, but there are things you can do to help. Below are my top tips for boosting your self-esteem.
Do something you love
It's easy to focus on things you don’t like about yourself, but by doing something you love, you give yourself the opportunity to be proud of what you’ve achieved and enjoy how happy it makes you feel.
For example, if you like cooking, then enjoy the process of making the food, be proud of the finished product and then enjoy the pleasure of eating it!
By doing something you love, you give yourself the opportunity to be proud of what you’ve achieved and enjoy how happy it makes you feel.
Keep a diary of the positives
There’s always something good that happens in the day, even if it’s small like someone laughing at your bad joke! Keep note of the happy times, and then when you’re feeling not so good about yourself, read through it and be reminded of all the things you can do and how amazing you are!
Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself
If you scroll through Instagram and find that celebrity accounts are making you feel worse about yourself, then unfollow! Keep social media as something you can enjoy and get a positive experience from. What are you gaining from feeling bad about yourself due to looking at a stranger’s life?
If you scroll through Instagram and find that celebrity accounts are making you feel worse about yourself, then unfollow!
Exercise - when you want to
It’s a well-known fact that this releases endorphins and relieves stress, but you need to do it because you want to. Forcing yourself through intense exercise that you hate isn’t going to improve your mood or self-esteem, so try different workouts until you find something you love. Whether it's walking, team sports, dancing or yoga classes, you’ll gain the benefits of exercise, as well as being proud of yourself for finding a new hobby!
Set mini goals
Try breaking your goals up into small challenges that can be celebrated. For example, if you are learning to cook, celebrate learning a new recipe each week. You’ll be more successful in completing it as it’s more surmountable, and you’ll enjoy it more and feel proud of everything you’re accomplishing.
Forcing yourself through intense exercise that you hate isn’t going to improve your mood or self-esteem.
Compliment others
A super easy way to feel better about yourself is to make someone else smile! By knowing you’ve made someone else happy, you can take pleasure in the kindness you’re showing as a person, and how it feels to make someone else’s day.
Always remember you are you and your individuality and personality is what makes you special and is one of the many reasons you are loved!
Where to get help
If you are struggling with your self-esteem, we have lots of information and advice that can really help.
