4 Ways To Improve Self Esteem

Cultivating and tending to your self-esteem is a lifelong process. Our confidence and self-esteem can be affected by countless factors- consciously and subconsciously. Sometimes it may be challenging in creating goals for boosting yourself up and gaining more confidence. It is often easier to focus on others, giving and doing for them. This only further hinders our ability to gain self esteem and care for ourselves.

Here are some ways you can begin the process and practice of fostering healthy self-esteem:

1) Practice trusting yourself:

We often seek outside validation for on our views, decisions, and choices. Learn to trust your gut and what you feel is best for you. Practice taking time and reflecting on the options you have before making a concrete decision. You have all the answers within you.

2) Surround yourself with people who encourage you:

Sometimes we may not realize how our social environment affects us. When we are around negativity, we can absorb those thoughts, feelings, and patterns if we do not take extra care in being mindful about our environment. Make an effort to surround yourself with individuals who are positive, supportive, and motivating. The influences of positive people around you can affect you, even subconsciously.

3) Take care of yourself- physically, mentally, and emotionally:

Make it a priority to eat well, exercise, and reflect and acknowledge your emotional state. This doesn’t have to be intense. Maybe the best exercise for you is walking around the block each day. Maybe you prefer something that is of a higher intensity like running or weightlifting. Move your body- it helps you connect with yourself and can release endorphins- those “feel good” chemicals that are naturally released through physical activity. Acknowledge your boundaries and limits- with others and yourself. Notice if you are taking on too much, or perhaps you could instill some more effort in an area of your life. Are you feeling emotionally fulfilled and supported? If not, where can you tweak this area of your life? Do you need help or support in doing so?

4) Learn to laugh at and release your mistakes:

We all make mistakes. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself- especially pressure to be perfect. Making mistakes help us learn and grow. Learning to brush off little mistakes (or sometimes even big ones) will create a sense of self-acceptance and self-love. Cut yourself a break!

Are you struggling with your self-esteem and confidence? Do you feel stuck and need some support? We are here to help. Email us at hello@serenemindpsych.com or give us a call at 813.321.8280 to set up an intake appointment to see if one of our therapists can aid you in your healing journey.