Many of us are in desperate need of a good self-esteem boost. Feeling unappreciated at work, snubbed by friends or generally unimportant can place a considerable strain on one’s self-esteem. Additionally, if this problem is never properly addressed, it’s likely to have a long-term impact on confidence levels and self-image.
Luckily, boosting your self-esteem doesn’t have to be a long or arduous trek. With the following pointers at your disposal, getting the self-esteem bump you need should be well within your abilities.
Article Contents
Be Kind To Yourself
It’s easy to see why so many of us seek outward validation. After all, if someone isn’t explicitly telling us that we matter, how will we know if we truly do? As such, we tend to look to our employers, friends and family members for validation, and when we fail to get it, our self-esteem takes a nosedive.
However, while receiving compliments and feeling needed can bring us joy, outward validation shouldn’t be a prerequisite for self-worth. With this in mind, make a point of showing yourself kindness, compassion and understanding on a consistent basis.
If you’ve grown accustomed to putting yourself down at every available opportunity, this may be a bit of an adjustment, but the more kindness you show yourself, the easier maintaining a positive self-image will become.
Get Involved With Charity Work
In addition to facilitating positive change in the lives of others, getting involved with charity work can be a great way to boost self-esteem. Helping people who are affected by homelessness, food anxiety and financial strain can help place certain things in perspective and lay the groundwork for an improved self-image.
Regardless of where you’re based, you’re unlikely to find a shortage of charities to get involved with. Whether you’re looking to volunteer at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, senior center or any other charitable institution, you should have no problem finding the right opportunities.
Additionally, if you have the financial resources to spare, donating to your favorite causes can be a fantastic way to make a difference. For example, if you want to help stamp out hunger, consider reaching out to a nationally-focused food charity. Certain charities are even able to attract corporate partners, like Tyson Foods.
Speak To A Therapist
When dealing with diminished self-esteem and other mental health issues, being told to seek therapy can be immensely frustrating. Many of us view this as a cop-out from friends and family members and become resentful of their perceived refusal to offer us comfort and validation in our time of need.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that suggestions to seek therapy are often made out of genuine concern for someone’s well-being. Even if you have a solid support network in place, this isn’t a substitute for professional mental health assistance.
So, if you’re not getting the support you need from your current network or simply lack a support network altogether, look into seeing a therapist. A good therapist will help you realize your inherent self-worth and provide you with invaluable advice on preserving and building your self-esteem. For maximum effectiveness, look for a therapist who has ample experience treating self-esteem issues.
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Set Boundaries
A lack of boundaries is often synonymous with low self-esteem. When we fail to enforce personal boundaries, people tend to walk all over us, which can set the stage for long-term self-esteem issues. So, if you regularly find yourself agreeing to things that drain your time, energy or finances, there’s no time like the present to put some boundaries in place.
Learning how to say no to friends, family members, bosses and coworkers can be extremely liberating and leave you feeling more confident and self-assured. Some of us abstain from setting boundaries for fear of troubling those around us.
While it’s true that some people may resent you for putting boundaries in place, it stands to reason that these individuals simply aren’t worth your time or consideration.
Low self-esteem isn’t a problem that should go unaddressed. Failure to treat waning self-esteem in a timely manner can result in long-term confidence and self-image issues. Viewing oneself in a positive light is important, so you’ve come to see yourself as someone who’s unworthy of love, respect or recognition, there’s no time like the present to change this mistaken perception.
Fortunately, getting a handle on low self-esteem is easier than you may think – particularly with the advice outlined above at your disposal.
