Whether we are feeling a bit flat about ourselves and experiencing some self-doubt or could just use a little reminder of ways to build self esteem and confidence, here are some helpful tips.
Practise Self Compassion:
Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would treat a loved one. Be mindful of your self-talk and if you can, challenge unhelpful thoughts.
Set Realistic Goals:
Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small.
Focus on your Strengths:
Identify your strengths and talents and find opportunities to use and develop them. Always make time to acknowledge your accomplishments.
Take Care of Yourself:
Prioritise self-care activities that make you feel good, such as exercise, healthy eating, spending time with friends, engaging in hobbies and getting enough sleep and relaxation.
Challenge Yourself:
Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Push yourself to try new activities that can help you build confidence and resilience.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences:
Spend time with people who uplift and support you. Distance yourself from those who bring you down or make you doubt yourself.
Practise Gratitude: Each day, take a moment to reflect on the things that you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus from what you may lack to what you have.
Learn from Setbacks: Failure is a natural part of life. Instead of letting setbacks define you, see them as opportunities for growth and learning and what you can do differently next time.
Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Whether it’s from friends, family, a therapist or a support group. Having a strong support system can help to boost your self-esteem.
Engage in Positive Self-Talk: Challenge unhelpful self-talk by replacing it with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your own worth and capabilities regularly.
Learn to Assert Yourself:
Practise setting boundaries and expressing your needs and opinions in a respectful way and learning to assert yourself can help to boost self esteem.
*Remember building self-esteem and self-confidence is a journey that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress and successes along the way.