Building a healthy self-esteem, or our sense of self confidence and self worth, is vital to our wellbeing. When we have an appreciation for our value and needs, we can set clear boundaries and feel free to form mutually beneficial relationships with people.
Developing a healthy self-esteem is a journey, and it can fluctuate through our life. Our sense of self esteem and worth is connected too many things, and your childhood probably formed most of them.
The expectations we have for our life, our bodies, health, relationships and our impact on others can alter the way we see ourselves. These are important, but we need to develop a deeper sense of self to cope when these factors change. Otherwise, we find ourselves with a shallow sense of self, and are pulled between low self confidence and excessive self importance.
Practicing a healthy self-esteem is a daily practice - and the team at Therapist.com have suggested five ways we can do this.
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Prioritise self care
Commit to listening to your mind and body, and giving it the rest it needs. This may change your schedule or your personal expectations. That’s okay - you are worthy of self care. Practice it, even if you don’t believe that yet.
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Practice self compassion
No one is perfect, not even you. So forgive yourself for your mistakes, errors and pain. You can take responsibility for your behaviour and be pro active without hating yourself for the past. Set yourself free, you are allowed to start again many times a day.
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Reject Perfectionism
Your desire to do things well is amazing, but your self worth isn’t defined by what you achieve, or the perceptions of others. You are innately worthy. Give yourself permission to let your best be enough, or to do something imperfect. The world won’t end.
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Resist comparison
Everyone is on a unique journey. Comparing yourself to others will only leave you feeling unsatisfied, or inflate your ego. Instead, commit to being the best version of yourself. You are unique, and your journey is unique. Embrace it!
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Stay present
It’s hard to stay present when we are constantly trying to earn a sense of worth, love and affection. Find a moment each day to pause, and reflect on what you are seeing, feeling, seeing, smelling and touching. Go outside and watch the wildlife, or close your eyes and practice deep breathing. By doing this, you accept who you are in the present moment. It is enough. And you are enough.
