Healthy Habits to Improve Your Self-Esteem – Part 1

“Many people come to therapy when they feel their personal worth is jeopardized. They say things like:

• “I constantly feel I am at fault.”
• “I feel like I’m being judged by everyone around me.”
• “I discount all my successes and achievements. I don’t believe I deserve them.”

You may struggle with low self-esteem if you relate to the above statements. In this article, you will read about habits you can develop to avoid feeling trapped in low self-esteem.

Cultivate self-compassion

According to Kristin Neff, a pioneer in the field of self-compassion, people with high self-compassion tend to have high self-esteem. According to research published in Personality and Individual Differences, self-compassion involves accepting self-doubt, negative self-evaluations, and adversity as part of the human experience. People who treat themselves with compassion are better equipped to handle life’s trials and tribulations. Try the “how you would treat a friend” exercise to cultivate self-compassion. How would you respond to your friend who feels bad about himself/herself in a challenging situation? Reflect on how you think things might change if you responded to yourself in the same way. It’s true that we are often our own harshest critics. Treating yourself as you would a close friend is one way to increase your level of self-compassion.

Surround yourself with people who are encouraging and accepting.

Research has shown that acceptance and approval from others boost our self-esteem. For instance, one study found that affirming feedback among teenagers led to enhanced self-acceptance and self-respect. Focus on building relationships that give you the space, support, and encouragement you need to become the best version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to re-evaluate your relationships to sieve out people who criticize, blame, and shame you. Always be mindful of who you allow into your life.

Read the whole article at Psychology Today

#Self-esteem #Confidence #MentalHealth

💬 What is one thing you can implement to boost your self-esteem?

Did you like this topic? Then you might also enjoy reading the post “Healthy Habits to Improve Your Self-Esteem – Part 2”