5 Ways to Raise Your Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is a serious issue for many people, and one that negatively impacts quality of life. Negative feelings of shame, guilt, and unworthiness can begin at a young age and, if not addressed, can potentially lead to serious mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Because low self-esteem can be so damaging, finding ways to feel better about ourselves and our abilities is vital to our well-being. 

Here are 5 ways to increase your self-esteem:

1. Quiet that inner critic

Negative self-talk is a common issue for people with low self-esteem. If you’re one of those people whose inner critic is constantly beating them up, it’s important you quiet that voice. Try to replace any negative comments with positive ones. Stop focusing on your weaknesses and instead focus on your strengths and abilities.

2. Stop comparing yourself to others

We are all so unique. Sadly, instead of celebrating what makes us individuals, many of us spend time comparing ourselves to other people. And, should we find we don’t quite measure up to standards set by others, we feel inadequate. Stop comparing yourself to other people and instead concentrate on being the best version of you that you can be.

3. Give up the quest to be perfect

Being human means being imperfect. We all have flaws and we are all works in progress. And that’s okay. Striving to be something that simply doesn’t exist is futile and exhausting. Stop trying to be perfect and instead set attainable goals for yourself.

4. Start loving your body

Many people struggle with body image issues. In today's social media world, it’s hard to love your body when you are expected to look like the people that grace the covers of magazines.

Instead of focusing on what your body looks like, on how much you weigh, or how big your muscles are, focus on being healthy. Be grateful for your health and make healthy choices so you can accept yourself for who you are.

5. Cut back on social media

Social media has its good points, but it can also set unrealistic expectations regarding relationships and lifestyles. It’s important to remember that online, people tend to only post images that make their lives seem awesome. But that’s not always an accurate presentation. Spending too much time looking at other people leading fun lives can get in the way of us spending time enjoying our own.

If self-esteem issues have become a serious problem in your life, leading to anxiety and depression, consider working with a therapist. I would be happy to speak with you about how therapy can help, so contact me today.