Some days or experiences can really take a hit on our self-esteem, bringing us down for the rest of the day, week, month, or however long you feel this way. The best way to deal with self-esteem issues is to DEAL with it! Ignoring these kinds of problems usually leads to self-deprecation, negative thought processes, and even depression. Below are a few steps to improve your self-esteem to get you living a better, healthier lifestyle!
1. Don't compare yourself to others
Comparing yourself to others will usually either lower your self-esteem or give you the motivation to strive to be where they are, which isn't always a good thing. Focusing on yourself rather than others will help you find your niche, pushing you into a happier sense of self due to your belonging.
2. Move Around
Moving around and getting some exercise will make you feel better, always. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, and let the endorphins flood your body. The simple act will give you a better sense of self through a type of body or accomplishment based empowerment.
3. Notice the little victories
You got up today. You were productive. You made a great lunch. These are all little things that you should celebrate because they are legitimate victories. The positive self-reinforcement will help you look at the world, and yourself, with a more positive view.
4. Don't strive for perfection
No one is perfect and it's unrealistic to think so. We each have our own problems, but it's up to us to know that one issue doesn't define us.
5. Positive talk, especially about yourself
It's important to tell yourself that you have worth even if you don't think so at the time. If you repeatedly put yourself down, you will start to think of yourself as less than someone else. Fortunately for us, you can also do the opposite. Tell yourself that you're beautiful, smart, worth something. You'll find that if you can "fake it" for at least 20 minutes, you'll start to actually feel that way. Try to do this every day, for at least 20 minutes. The exercise will put you on the path to positivity, eventually making you more self-confident without even trying.
