Let’s first define what Self Esteem is. Self Esteem is defined as ‘a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self respect’. This can be tied to one’s level of confidence and therefore the way that you interact with the world around you.
March marks the start of spring. Growth, new life, renewal and evolution. This month, give your self esteem a boost and use these three ideas to get you started:
ONE – CREATE LISTS…..
There are many lists that you can create and refer back to often that can help your self esteem. Grab a journal and pen and start to create the following lists.
Start with writing down 3 things that you like about yourself. Here are some examples and ideas to get you started are. What are some of things that you like about yourself? What are some of the things you like that you do for your family or friends, pets or the environment? What are some of the things that you enjoy doing for yourself? Is there something about your physical appearance that you like.. your eyes, smile, hair? Write them down and continue to add to the list regularly. Reading over the list often will help give your self esteem a boost when needed …
Write down 3 things that others have said they like about you, or you think they may like about you. For example, do you think people may like the way you treat them?
TWO – USE AFFIRMATIONS….
An affirmation is a statement that is declared to be true. Using affirmations regularly can help boost your self esteem if done with feeling and conviction. Start with these small steps. Stand in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. Really smile at yourself. Once you get comfortable with that, you’ll probably start to like it. At that point, add the phrase “I like myself.” Then repeat the phrase along with smile. Do this daily or even several times a day with feeling until it becomes a deeply rooted belief. If you don’t believe it… say it until you do. Convince the person in the mirror like Cuba Gooding Junior convinced Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire to “Show me the money!!”
THREE - NUTURE YOURSELF, EXERCISE AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE.
Meditation, yoga, walking in nature or a massage are some ideas for ways to nuture yourself. When you take the time out to be good to yourself, you’re showing that you value yourself. When you exercise, you’re investing in yourself, both present and future. Exercising releases endorphins and decreases stress. It can also help with your posture and general feeling of well being. Simply standing up straight alone can help your self esteem. Try this quick exercise, slouch your shoulders over and put your head down. Observe the way that you feel for a moment. Now slowly stand up straight, put your shoulders back and lift your head up. Now, notice how you feel… better right? All of these tied together can positively affect your physical appearance. Together with maintaining good grooming habits, these suggestions can help to enhance your self esteem.
