A lot of us struggle with low self esteem. Fortunately, there are changes we can make to improve our feelings about ourselves.
1. Identify your triggers
Think about the situations and conditions that impact your self esteem in a negative way. It could be stressful situations at work, a challenge with a spouse or changes in circumstances (such as moving to a new place or changes within a relationship).
2. Boost self-awareness
Once you identify your triggers, think about how you feel about them. Think about your thoughts toward those triggering situations, even if they’re negative. Then, ask yourself: are these thoughts really realistic? Would I say these things to a friend? And if the answer is no, then don’t say them to yourself.
Another helpful idea may be to spend some time journaling how you feel about the trigger. Sometimes getting our thoughts on paper helps us to better confront them.
Finally, remember your thoughts and feelings are valid. You aren’t wrong for thinking them.
3. Try to focus on the positives in the situation
I am really bad about measuring my self worth by how much I complete. For example, “I got everything done except for the ironing, so I have failed.” I’m also really bad about seeing only the negatives in a situation and forgetting to focus on the positives.
Another bad habit of mine is mistaking feelings for facts. For example, “I feel that I failed at this, so I must be a failure.” My solution here again is to journal what I’m thinking or feeling and then challenge myself to find the positives. I didn’t get everything done, but look at how much I did accomplish. Or, “maybe I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped, but I did better than before.”
4. Consider the outcomes
If something didn’t go as well as you’d planned, what would you do differently in the future? If something didn’t quite work out the way you’d hoped, what about it did go well?
There are also small things you can do to boost your self esteem. Some of my favorite things include the following:
5. Put together a favorite outfit
Put together an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and wear it often. You don’t even need a special occasion to wear it. Just put it on for instant confidence.
6. Focus on your talents
Make a list of all that is good about you. What do you do well? What are your talents? Everyone has an area where they shine- what is yours?
7. Surround yourself with the right people
People who really care about you want to see you successful and happy. If someone constantly puts you down and is always negative, you can choose to limit your time around them.
What are your favorite tips for increasing your self esteem?
We are cruising head first down the hill to my summer vacation. The girls, who are in a different school system and a different schedule, have been out almost four weeks. I’m ready to be out of school with them.
This kid has taken up running and plans to try out for cross country this fall. As a rising sixth grader, she is looking forward to school this fall.
This little lady is a rising first grader and she is super excited!!
We have dropped two episodes of our podcast and we have greatly enjoyed recording them. I am looking forward to publishing more episodes soon.
It’s been a minute since I last updated you on our lives.
These two sweet little stinkers finished their kindergarten and fifth grade years on Thursday. I am a bit jealous, since I don’t get out of school until June 8.
Isn’t this just the cutest thing ever?
Also, their dance team racked up recently at their last regional dance competition. Em’s solo won fifth place, their large group number won fourth overall, their trio won third overall and their duet won fourth overall. Next stop, Nationals in Sevierville, TN!
My shoulder has healed appropriately and I have been cleared to return to weight lifting. I am focusing on lower weights and higher reps. So far, things are going well. Pray for me, though.
This week, we are focusing on another pallet project, some more Mental Health Awareness Month goodies and a few more fabulous Friday funzies for your enjoyment.
You can expect a new podcast soon as well! I hope you all are well and happy. We will see you again soon!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Each Monday in May, I am going to share something mental health related.
Most people would agree that a little self-care is good for our mental health…but self-care means different things for different people. Some people aren’t really sure what self-care even means. Today, I’d like to share a few ideas as to how you can practice self-care effectively and easily.
1. Exercise
You don’t have to spend a lot of time exercising or do strenuous exercise. It’s amazing just how much a 20 minute walk outside can do for your mind. When my children and I were on virtual school (I was teaching virtually and they were learning virtually), we would make it a point to walk for thirty minutes during our break each day. It helped us to recharge, refocus and not feel so mentally exhausted.
2. Get enough rest
I type this with transparency- no one in my house gets an adequate amount of rest. We are definitely trying to improve in how much sleep we get. So far, I notice lots of positive changes.
3. Pamper yourself
Everyone needs hobbies. Do something every day that makes you happy. Get a pedicure. Try a new lotion or hair product. Buy something small that you love just because you can. Every Sunday night, I take a bath with an exfoliator and a face mask. It makes me feel relaxed and ready to take on the week.
4. Disconnect from the internet
OK, this one is hard. Sometimes I just need to put down the phone and take a break from it. Turn off your social media notifications for an hour each week. It’s not a big deal and you’ll be glad you did it.
5. Eat a serving of vegetables each day.
This one isn’t so much for your mental health as it is for your physical health. Studies have shown increasing your greens leads to lower weight, healthier colons and better blood sugars. Ideally, you should eat a serving with each meal, but even eating one a day yields a lot of positive changes.
6. Delight in the simple things
I tend to find that the things that bring me the most joy are the things that don’t cost a dime. Conversations with good friends, spending time with my family, and working in my garden are some of my favorite things to do. My greenhouse is sometimes an escape from everything that stresses me out.
Have a wonderful week. Don’t forget to practice self-care.
