Our self image is one of the most important features we have. There’s some things we love about ourselves, but there are also things we also don’t like about ourselves. No matter what it is, here are ten ways to help improve your self image, and hopefully increases your self esteem.
1. Accept (but also Give) Compliments
If someone tells you that you have amazing hair, or that you’re awesome at whatever you do, accept the compliment. It’s insanely hard to, especially when you don’t believe it, but accept it anyway. You have no idea that maybe a smile is all you need to look at yourself in a positive way. You can also look at yourself positively if you give compliments to others that need it!
2. Spend Less Time in the Mirror
The longest part about getting ready in the morning is staring at yourself in the mirror. You might be pointing out all your flaws and not seeing what God sees. God sees a beautiful creation, with no mistakes. If you step away from the mirror for some time, it will give you time to care less about your appearance and possibly accept what’s on the outside and more about the person inside.
3. Have Less Negative Thoughts
I don’t know how many breaths I’ve wasted on a negative comment, a complaint, or even talking badly about someone. Face it, we’ve all done it. It’s unbelievable the things we can think. However, if we start finding the good in others, it can be contagious and hopefully spread to other beings around you. Sooner or later, our world will become brighter with the sunshine from our smiles and happy thoughts towards others.
4. Worry Less, Smile a LOT More
Another thing we all need to work on. There’s so much happening in this world that worries us. Whether we are scared of what we look like to others, how well we did on our finals, or if we have a fear of losing a certain friend, it makes us have that face full of fear, which can cause attention to others. You’ll hear a lot of “You ok?” or “what’s wrong” if there isn’t a smile on your face. Have positive vibes, and smile. A LOT. “Show the world the warmth of your smile”- Rascal Flatts, My Wish.
5. Accept Change
There are going to be things in your life that come and go. You might lose friends along the way, have to get used to a new environment, or face a difficult time in your life. It’s all about how you handle it. Challenges such as losing a friend over a boy or not forgiving someone who did you wrong can affect your attitude and the way you see certain things. Do not let change affect who you are as a person. Stay strong on the inside, it will help you in any situation.
6. Do Not Compare Yourself to Others
We all do it. There’s plenty of times we judge our appearance by someone sitting right next to us. We even get to the point where we are asking ourselves “what do they have that I don’t?”. There’s no one better than who you are. Being different is something to be proud of, not ashamed of.
7. Be Kind
Kindness has a way of bringing out the best in us. Helping someone out, listening to stories that you might not have time to sit down for, any act of “paying it forward” can say a lot about who you are and who you intend to be.
8. Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine. We can have a lot more fun in life if we just laughed at our mistakes or about anything that tries to change our inner beauty.
9. Love Yourself
For some, this can be a hard task. It can take time, a lot of patience, and can be difficult (if you let it). It does not have to be that hard. Take care of your body by eating a little healthier and making time in your schedule to treat yourself too. Go to bed on time, have sweet dreams and don’t abuse your body in anyway. Loving yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself.
10. Read the Bible
What better way to improve your self image than from God Himself. There are so many hidden messages for you about how you are loved, how you are enough, and how beautiful you are. All you have to do is open it, read it, and believe it.
The journey to having positive self image may not always be an easy one, but making some minor adjustments in the way you live your daily life could make all of the difference.
