Let's be honest, we all have days that leave us questioning ourselves in one way or another. It has been said many times that people are their own worst critics. Self-esteem, however, is very important in our day-to-day lives.
A strong sense of self can determine how we will interact with others, and what choices we make in the span of a day. Here are a few simple suggestions on how you can boost your self-esteem.
1. Focus on good traits
Look in the mirror in the morning and find five things that you like about your appearance. Ignore the ugly stuff and really look to see what is appealing about you and what makes you unique. Be proud of those things.
2. Dress with confidence
Our clothes say a lot about who we are and can dictate how people form first impressions of us. Dress in colors and styles that make you feel comfortable and confident. Look around at the people around you who appear to have high self-confidence, and look at what they are wearing.
3. Eat a healthy diet
Food does more than just fill you up, it delivers vital nutrients to all parts of your body. By eating a balanced diet, you are giving your body the opportunity to have beautiful skin, silky hair and everything else that a person wants.
4. Exercise
Of course we have all heard this a million times, but we need to be honest with ourselves: Exercise is very important for our physical health as well as our mental health. Exercising naturally releases endorphins in our brains which makes us feel better about ourselves and life, in general.
5. Think positively about your life
Look around you and find the things that you are grateful for and focus on those things. Stop dwelling on the negative things in your life and learn to be happy.
6. Smile
Smiling has been shown to increase a person's happiness. This simple act of smiling can help you feel more confident and improve how others interact with you.
7. Find ways to change
Identify the things you don't like about yourself and write them down. This may seem counterintuitive, but by identifying those things you don't like, you can start to change them. You are in control of your own life and have the power to change it.
8. Go outside of your comfort zone
People get stuck in ruts; with going to work or school and doing the same routine every day. Mix it up a little and do things that you might normally not do.
9. Join a group in the community
Find a group to join, whether it is a book club, aerobics class or a mommy group. Start meeting new people who can recognize the great things about you and who can build you up.
10. Get plenty of sleep, but not too much
Make sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep every night. Sleep resets our bodies, minds and souls. You will wake up feeling more refreshed and energetic.
A healthy self-esteem can change our outlook on a number of things. You owe it to yourself to invest time in developing a happy perspective on life and a strong self-esteem to support it.
