7 Quick Tips To Raise Self-Esteem

Maintaining a positive self-image doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes it can be hard to shut down negative thoughts and feel confident in who you are. Self-esteem is a constant journey, but practicing mindful and positive techniques can help move you further along the path.

1. Forgive Yourself

Phrases like “everybody makes mistakes” and “nobody is perfect” are cliches for a good reason: they are true. If you are holding onto mistakes you have made, no matter how big or small, it is probably time to let them go. You cannot hold yourself to an impossible standard of perfection because you will never meet it. Give yourself permission to acknowledge the mistakes you have made in the past, recognize how you have learned from them, and then mentally release them from your plate. You will feel much better looking towards the future than being stuck in a negative loop of your past.

2. Exercise

According to Cleveland Clinic, exercising makes people happier. Not only does the physical act of exercise relieve stress and reduce the risk of depression, but people that exercise consistently, like professional athletes, are more likely to prioritize their health in other areas. Groups like USANA athletes also use supplements and vitamins as a means of maintaining their health and supporting their overall wellness.

3. Try a New Hobby

If you’re looking for a new hobby to try out then you should consider looking into diamond painting. It’s the latest exciting art trend taking the world by storm. Opening up to the possibilities of a new hobby can be exciting, especially if it is something you have never tried before. Not only will a new interest capture your attention and keep your mind busy, but experimenting with different sides of yourself can reveal hidden talents you didn’t know you had. Getting better at your new hobby can fill you with a sense of pride and boost your self-esteem.

4. Journal Your Progress

Setting goals and keeping track of your thoughts is another great way to authentically assess your self-image. How you decide to set up your journal is up to you, but ideally, you will have some way to document your positive and negative thoughts. Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself, as it is the only way you can truly make progress.

If you have a bad day, write down what happened and what specific emotions you felt. Naming your emotions can help you narrow down the root of the feeling. When you identify the root of a negative feeling, you may be able to cut out that behavior. Similarly, finding out what leads you to positive feelings means you can continue those behaviors.

5. Question Your Thinking

When you have an intrusive thought pop into your head, it can be easy to just accept it as truth. Many people do this without realizing it, leading them to believe the negative things they think about themselves. The next time you have negative self-talk floating around your head, ask yourself questions about where the thought has come from, and if there is any evidence to support it. You may find that there is no real stock in it, making it easier to replace it with a positive thought instead.

6. Celebrate Victories

If you find yourself accomplishing a task or goal, it is time to celebrate. Your wins don’t always have to be big in order to deserve praise and pride. Bigger achievements should certainly get a big celebration, but the small goals are important too. Reward yourself with a small treat, like your favorite coffee or a new pair of shoes, every once in a while to incentivize positive thoughts and productive behavior.

7. Be With Loved Ones

The people you love know who you are and can remind you when you forget. Spending time with your support network can be a great way to remember some of your best qualities and get you out of your head.

Feeling good about yourself can be hard sometimes, but taking intentional steps to support your mental wellness and monitor your negative thoughts can help you begin to see yourself in a more positive light.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].