Do you suffer from low self-esteem? It likely stems from your life experiences and how they translate into how you view yourself, others, and the word. Additionally, there are a variety of other factors that can undermine your self-esteem – illness, major life events like divorce or job loss, and bad relationships are just a few. We often experience a loss of self-esteem when we lose control of our life or certain situations. That could stem from anything from discrimination, abuse or even a car accident.
The important thing to know is that you can enhance your self-esteem and we’ve put together some of the ways you can do so.
Change The Narrative
We all tell ourselves a story – it’s the one that has shaped our view of ourselves and it’s the crux of your self-image. The good news is you can flip it and change the narrative. Before you can do that, though, you need to understand where your story came from. Often, we allow negative thoughts to repeat frequently enough that they suddenly become truths. How can you change the record? The best place to start is with positive affirmations. Find the right ones for you and repeat them to yourself regularly.
Stop Comparing, Start Accepting
It can be incredibly difficult to accept yourself when you are constantly comparing your life and your self to others. This is even more of a problem since the popularity of social media. Just because people appear happy as they post the fun stuff on social media doesn’t mean that they are as happy as they make it out to be. When you make comparisons to them you fuel negative self-talk and leave yourself at risk of lowering your self-esteem.
Embrace Yourself
We all have strengths and everyone has weaknesses, too. Some people play the piano beautifully but are entirely hopeless when they step foot in the kitchen. That doesn’t define their worth, though. You should embrace your strengths and the confidence you are filled with when you engage in these strengths. Equally so, you should remind yourself of these when your weaknesses are exposed or in the event you fall down – it’s all about picking yourself back up again.
If you’re having trouble figuring out what your strengths are, try asking a close friend. It’s sometimes easier for others to recognize them, especially when our self-esteem is already at a low.
Get Some Exercise
Exercising isn’t just good for your physical health, it’s also beneficial to your mental health. It’s amazing how acts of self-care can provide your self-esteem with a boost. So, in addition to getting regular exercise, you should try to eat healthily and sleep well. That doesn’t mean you should beat yourself up if you fail to do these things, it simply means you should look after yourself to benefit the natural boost that comes with it.
Know What Defines You
Perhaps more importantly – know what doesn’t define you. You are not your circumstances and the sooner you understand that the easier it will be to accept yourself and grow. Your core worth isn’t changed by a failure, a job loss or the breakdown of a relationship. Your potential is infinite and you are just as good as everyone else. If you think otherwise it’s because you have allowed negative thoughts free reign for so long you have started to believe the lies.