5 Self Esteem Boosting Ideas

Self esteem is important.

There’s no way around it. How often do we as individuals sit and reflect on our own self esteem in a non-judgmental way?

Whether you delve into it reflectively or you ignore it at all costs, your self esteem is going to manifest itself in a variety of ways (ways others will often notice before you do):

• How you treat your body (food, exercise)

• How you speak to others about them and yourself

• The pride or lack of pride in which you take in your work

• The boundaries or lack of boundaries that you create for yourself and your relationships

• The amount of patience you have towards others

---

We’ve created a list of ways to be in check with your self esteem and hopefully boost it. 

⇒ Be mindful of those you choose to spend time with.

With a critical ear, listen to those around you carefully for a day. Often they are attempting to lift us up and we don’t take the time to notice it or we refuse to hear kind sentiments about ourselves. Hold these people close and show them you appreciate their kindness.

The opposite can also be true. Someone may be using humor or complaining in a way that chips away at your self esteem. Do you simply write off those relationships? Get rid of them? No.

We can model for that person what we want and expect by speaking to them in a more uplifting manner. Often we allow these comments to perpetuate without considering the long-term damage they may be doing on our thoughts about ourselves.

⇒ Unplug from social media.

It is human nature to compare ourselves to others. This idea has only been perpetuated by the use of social media. We take our lowest day, our lowest moment, and we compare it to someone else’s highlight reel.

If you feel that you’re being pulled into that mindset of comparing yourself to others (even if it’s never spoken aloud), take a short hiatus from social media. See if it helps you focus on you and the things you have to be thankful for. It may even by one particular social media platform over others.

You might also consider reading books on the subject such as, “The Happiness Effect: How Social Media is Driving a Generation to Appear Perfect at Any Cost.”

⇒ Use natural wellness techniques.

Yoga teaches mindfulness, strength and flexibility which all can boost self esteem.

When I used to go to yoga classes and they would say things like “The hips hold many of your feelings. Don’t be surprised if you have a strong emotion surface during this pose.” I thought they were crazy to think that simply moving my body in a certain way is going to change how my feelings work.

Then I quieted my mind and my skepticism and it actually happened. I was holding feelings of resentment and anger that I had no idea about until that same hip opening position (that I totally made fun of), allowed it to all flow out one day. It was weird and uncomfortable and also really freeing.

You’re thinking… I don’t have time to go to a yoga studio multiple times a week. I don’t make the time for it either. I do, however, make time for it in my own home daily with The Yoga Collective #GroupOn.

I also incorporate essential oils into my wellness routine during yoga and throughout the day. Bergamot and Frankincense essential oils are my go-to when building myself up and calming my racing mind.

⇒ Organize. Organize.

We automatically feel a bit better about ourselves when we feel like we have our things in order. It helps lower our anxiousness, and we feel confident that no matter what might pop up that day… we are prepared for it.

This could be as simple as laying out your clothes before bed or putting your notes for a meeting tomorrow in a cute file folder that you like and are less likely to forget on your dining room table.

Here are some extra ideas on how to keep yourself a little more organized and prepared. 

⇒ Find Time.

“I don’t have time” is the biggest excuse I hear from people when it comes to taking care of themselves and fostering their self esteem.

Yes you may not have times to do EVERYTHING you want to do for yourself. However, you can find the time to do SOMETHING for yourself that you love.

First, brainstorm activities that make you happy and that bring YOU joy (not your spouse or kids). – Find practical ideas and tips here!

Secondly, schedule time to do those things. Actually put it on the calendar reoccurringly and share that with the people that are important in your life. Share with them what you’ll be doing, why you’re going to do it and when. My husband and I keep a joint calendar for this exact reason. He knows those are sacred times not to be scheduled during.

Then, do it.

Yes it’s that simple. Just make yourself do it. You may feel guilty at first or torn by your never-ending to-do list, but you’ll come to realize after awhile that you are happier and may even feel better about yourself having taken that time for something you love to do.

That’s a big order to fill.

Now you just have to decide… are you brave enough?

Go Be Brave, Friends!