Self-esteem refers to our overall evaluation of ourselves, including how we think and feel about our abilities, appearance, and worth as a person. Having healthy self-esteem is important because it can affect many aspects of our lives, including our relationships, career success, and mental health. While it is normal to have moments of self-doubt, there are things we can do to improve our self-esteem over time. Here are some tips:
Recognise and Reframe Negative Thoughts
One of the biggest obstacles in improving self-esteem is negative self-talk. We often criticise and judge ourselves harshly, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. To combat negative thoughts, it is important first to recognise when you are having them, so then you can practice reframing them from amore positive perspective. For example, if you often think, "I'm not good enough," reframe that thought by asking yourself, "What evidence do I have to support that belief? What are some things I have accomplished that demonstrate my abilities?".
Practice Self-care
Taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally is key to improving self-esteem. This may involve exercise, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment. It also means treating ourselves with kindness and compassion, rather than judgment and criticism. This includes acknowledging our strengths and accomplishments, and taking time to care for ourselves when we are feeling down.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals and working towards them can boost self-esteem as it helps us feel a sense of accomplishment and progress. However, it is important to set realistic and achievable goals, otherwise, we may become discouraged and feel like failures. Try breaking larger goals into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrating progress along the way. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small!
Surround Yourself with Positive and Supportive People
The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our self-esteem. Seek out friends and family members who are positive, supportive, and encourage you to be your best self. It may be necessary to distance yourself from toxic or negative relationships, as they can bring you down and diminish your sense of self-worth.
Practice Gratitude
Finally, practising gratitude can help improve self-esteem by shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have. This involves identifying and acknowledging the things and people in our lives that we are grateful for, and taking time to reflect on their positive impact. This can be as simple as writing down three things you are thankful for each day, or taking time to thank someone who has made a difference in your life.
Improving self-esteem is a gradual process that takes time and effort. By challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive people, and practicing gratitude, we can improve our self-esteem and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
If you would like to explore this further with one of our psychologists, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call on (03) 9882 8874 or email admin@melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au
This blog was written and prepared by Hannah Gersh – Psychologist at Melbourne Wellbeing Group.