How To Improve Self-Esteem
I recently had a counselling session approaching with a client where we had identified that our next session would be focused specifically on self-esteem.
I decided to put together a quick tip sheet so my client could take this away and try to work on some of the suggested tasks. What has surprised me however is that since putting this together, I have handed it out to a number of people in just a couple of days.
Obviously not every mental health issue stems from an issue with low self-esteem, but I believe there is a strong correlation between the two.
How we feel about ourselves, the words we use to describe ourselves, and what our underlying core beliefs are will all have a significant impact on our emotional wellbeing.
There are a few things we could each do everyday to help improve our feelings of self-worth and to boost our confidence.
Here are just a few ideas, feel free to get in touch if you have any of your own tips missing from the list, which help you.
List five things that you like about yourself - if you cant think of five, make a start with one and add to it.
Think of something that has made you feel proud today.
Remind yourself of your goals/dreams/ambitions. By connecting with where you want to be more frequently (however far fetched) can help us to feel more focused and optimistic.
Notice that past difficulties have not been your fault - and that you are always just doing your very best.
Recognise negative thoughts and try to reverse them, or at least try to make them a little more positive.
Make time for the things you enjoy; music, dance, draw, paint, call a friend or connect with others on social media.
View ‘weaknesses’ as an opportunity to grow; nothing stays the same and change is inevitable.
Reward yourself for everything you achieve, however small it may seem - even just the fact that you are here today can be enough.
Appreciate more, every little thing around you – as well as yourself!
Be more aware of all your feelings, we have so many throughout the course of a day; they are not all negative - even though it may feel that way.
Notice when you feel sad, low, unhappy, and angry and without judgement just try to think about where they have come from. Is there a cause? Did someone/something trigger this thought or feeling. Understanding and making sense of our feelings is a big step towards being able to change them.
Write in a journal/diary to help you to express your thoughts, feelings and emotions – they need somewhere to go and they are not helping you if they stay bottled up inside. Identify and reflect on common thoughts, worries, fears and feelings.
You do not need to do all of these everyday, start with something that feels possible for you. Once you have achieved that try to master another task - and think of some other things you could do to improve your self esteem that would work best for you.
I welcome any feedback; comments or thoughts and you can contact me here.
If you are struggling yourself with low self-esteem or any other issues that counselling could help with please do get in touch for a free consultation.
