8 Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem
My 10 year old recently went to see the new Barbie movie. When I asked her about it she said "It was the complete opposite of our real world. In the movie the women are the main characters and the men are the support" She has always been an astute child.
But she really had me thinking. As a female how many times have you tried to make yourself smaller to fit in this world?
It doesn't start out this way of course. I distinctly remember being a boisterous child. I would stand up for myself and others regardless of who was causing the injustice.
Somewhere along the way of my youth I received the message that I was a bit too much. My views and opinions were made to feel insignificant.The worst part was I soon began to believe it.
That loud, opinionated,and unapologetic child still lives within me. She has grown older, wiser and is ready to make a reappearance of sorts. She is ready to reclaim some of that youthful power.
One step in gaining the sense of female empowerment is to work on building self-esteem.
Having high self-esteem takes energy every single day. It can be exhausting. And research shows that the constant pursuit of high self-esteem isn't healthy. Commit to improving your well-being by learning how to improve self-esteem without making it your top priority.
Here are a few ideas on how to start boosting your self esteem
Be kind to yourself
- The way you speak to yourself matters. When something happens don't berate yourself. Instead try talking to yourself like you are trying to help a friend.
Look after yourself
- You probably won't feel good about yourself if you don't take some time for care. It can be as simple as getting enough water to stay hydrated. Moving your body for physical health also improves the state of mind. You could take your appearance a step further by finding out your seasonal color pallet and committing clothing purchases to what looks best on you.
Focus on the positives
- It is incredibly easy to notice all the negatives that happen on a daily basis. But when you give your energy to the negative, it creates more negativity. Try to focus on the good that happens instead
Learn to assert yourself
- This one can be tough especially if you are a natural people pleaser or if you have been feeling small for a while. Asserting yourself can feel aggressive at first. But you can assert yourself without coming across as mean. Learn to say no to the things that don't serve you well. Set boundaries and stick to them. Use language that is direct, honest, and respectful. "I" statements are good to use when asserting yourself, "I feel", "I need" or "I think"
Do things you enjoy
- Take time to do things that bring you joy. Find a group in your community such as a book club, a cooking class, or maybe you're into pickle ball. It is fun to be in a group of like-minded people sharing a common interest.
Give yourself a challenge
- Giving yourself a challenge can be a huge self esteem booster. First you are bound to learn new things about yourself. Second can feel exhilarating when you have completed the challenge.