Everyone struggles with self-esteem at some point in their life, yet some find it harder than others to overcome and can become overwhelmed with negative thoughts and feelings. However, it is important to remember that even the most drastic cases of low self-esteem can be improved with the right strategies and techniques. In this article, we will explore some key strategies for improving self-esteem and building resilience in order to help you reach a healthier, happier mindset.
1. Harness the Power of Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is one of the most powerful tools you have to shape your outlook on life. It can also be one of the hardest habits to cultivate. But if we can learn to make it a daily ritual, it can be a profoundly beneficial force in our lives.
- First, it helps to dispel negative thought patterns. Whenever self-doubt or anxiety begin to enter the mind, replace them with positive affirmations. Speak to yourself in a tone that is kind and supportive, in the same way you would speak to someone else.
- Second, positive self-talk can also be a great motivator. Make sure you create a positive inner dialogue that will keep you focused and on track. Speak to yourself powerfully, like a champion––instilling yourself with the confidence and strength needed to take on any challenge.
So, try using positive self-talk as a practice and tool to reach your life’s goals. Remember that no matter what the task, you are 100% capable of achieving it.
2. Prioritize Self-Care and Balance
Finding Inner Calm and Balance
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it tends to be easy to become overwhelmed. Amongst the long list of responsibilities, maintaining a work-life balance is undoubtedly a challenge. Unfortunately, it’s the most important activity we can do to look after our mental and physical health. Learning to prioritize and finding balance is key to staying energized and productive throughout the day.
Doing things like regular exercise, waking up early to enjoy your body’s natural rhythms, eating nutritious food and listening to your body by taking the necessary breaks all ultimately benefits your health and mind. To prioritize self-care, make sure to carve out time for activities that help you relax and destress:
- Yoga
- Reading a book
- Taking a warm bath
- Meditating
- Talking things out with a friend
- Writing in your journal
All of these activities can be helpful in giving your body the chance to rest and recharge. Set aside a regular time and remember to keep it consistent. This will help form good habits that’ll bring you more emotional and physical strength so you can be a better version of yourself. Skimping on self-care can leave you drained, exhausted, and emotionally drained — all of which increases stress and anxiety. Make sure you take at least one day out for yourself regularly and enjoy it guilt-free.
3. Find Gratitude and Appreciate the Moment
Reminding ourselves to be thankful and appreciative of our present moments can be a game-changer to how we perceive our lives. Practicing gratitude can help soothe mental stressors and enable us to stay positive! Here are three ways to find and increase gratitude:
- Be mindful. Taking the time to be aware of the little moments and things in our lives is essential to settling the mind and regaining perspective. Identifying the things we’re thankful for and consciously appreciating them each day can inspire our minds to appreciate moments like these more easily.
- Share with others. Connecting with family and friends to express and share our appreciation can create a ripple effect of good energy. Instead of focusing our energy on things we don’t have or don’t know, connecting with those we care about allows us to recognize what we do have—we can be grateful for a shared moment of joy.
- Write it down. Jotting down moments we’re thankful for in a journal or on sticky notes can help remind us of our gratitude and create a visually pleasing reminder that happiness can always be found.
Overall, appreciating the present moment and finding moments of gratitude can be as simple as being cognizant of our surroundings, connecting with those around us, or acknowledging the big and small moments of joy in our lives.
4. Leverage Healthy Coping Strategies and Reach Out for Support
Coping with stress is something that everyone experiences in life. It is important to recognize the signs that indicate that you need to take time to tend to your emotional and mental well-being. Taking proactive steps to manage stress may not seem like the easiest task, but it doesn’t have to be difficult either. Creating and implementing stress-reducing activities into your life can be enjoyable and even inspire productivity.
- Try out different activities: Taking the time to try out different activities can be helpful in achieving an overall relaxation state. This could be anything from yoga to journaling. See what you like and build it into your daily routine.
- Take a break: Taking breaks throughout your day offers an opportunity to engage in mindful activities. Whether it’s a short walk or listening to your favorite music, incorporating simple breaks into your daily routine can make all the difference.
If you need additional support, reach out to a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Everyone needs someone to talk to every now and then and it’s important to recognize when you may need additional help to deal with stress. S ome professionals work on a sliding scale, so there may be options available to you. No one should suffer in silence.
Improving self-esteem and building resilience can be daunting, but by reflecting on your personal values and engaging in positive thinking, you can begin developing a strong pathway to better mental health. With these strategies, and a bit of self-care and mindfulness, you can achieve a sense of true inner strength and peace.