How to Improve Your Self Esteem

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Self-esteem is your opinion of yourself, physical features, personality, and abilities. Many factors can influence whether your self-esteem is low or high, such as your sense of belonging, confidence, and the people you surround yourself with. Sometimes, improving self-esteem can require focusing on the features you don’t like and working hard to change them to improve your confidence. Better self-esteem can then follow. If you struggle with your self-esteem, you might like to take some of the following actions. 

Consider Cosmetic Procedures

We should be proud of our flaws and embrace them as a part of who we are, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept what we don’t like. For example, if you have prominent stretch marks or an abdominal bulge after childbirth, you might speak to tummy tuck surgeons to repair abdominal muscles, remove fat, and tighten skin. 

Cosmetic procedures aren’t always necessary to improve self-esteem, but they are an option many people might like to consider if they aren’t happy with particular physical features and can’t fix them through diet and exercise alone. 

Be Kind to Yourself

We are our own worst critics, and it’s not uncommon to have self-critical thoughts. When you aren’t gentle with yourself, think about the advice you would give to a friend who had those same thoughts and feelings. Be kind to yourself and remember that you’re beautiful, worthy, and loved. 

Celebrate Your Victories

It’s easy to start feeling bad about yourself when facing obstacles you struggle to overcome. Obstacles are a part of life, but so are victories. Start celebrating your achievements, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem. For example, if you’ve been experiencing depression, you might celebrate fueling your body with nutritious food or simply making the bed.

Build Positive Relationships

We are beautiful and worthy just as we are, but some people in your life can make you think that you’re not. If you find that certain people bring you down, highlight your flaws, and make you feel unworthy, consider whether they’re really the best people to have in your life. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, embrace you as you are, and appreciate everything about you. 

Identify Your Negative Thoughts

Many people don’t realize their lack of confidence and self-esteem until they start focusing on the many negative thoughts they have daily. Make a point of writing down your negative thoughts in a diary, and actively challenge them. 

For example, you might think you’re not smart enough to apply for a new job. Once you write down that you don’t believe you’re intelligent, write down things that can challenge that mindset. For example, you might have a degree that makes you more than qualified for the job, and people might come to you for advice on particular subjects. The more you challenge your negative mindset and negative self-talk, the easier it might be for you to start thinking positively about yourself. 

Having poor self-esteem can make people feel like they’re worth less than they really are. If you’re tired of not valuing yourself and want to see yourself in a brighter, more positive light, take some of these actions above. You might be surprised by how revitalized you can feel when you boost your self-esteem and confidence.