A Glow-Up Guide for Your Self-Esteem
Is it just me, or did you also feel like your teenage self was crushed while growing up? Back then, self-esteem wasn’t even a concept we considered, and now the damage from that harsh treatment shows up in our twenties or even later in life. I can't count the number of times I felt inadequate or believed I didn’t deserve the praise I received. Even now, it feels a bit strange. However, I believe that when you find your calling in life, your self-esteem and overall sense of self start to thrive in a different way. For me, that calling was returning to writing. Although I still experience moments of self-doubt, your support as loyal and wonderful readers encourages me to do better. So, heartfelt thanks for that!
The title of this blog may sound like a “quick fix” for self-esteem issues, but I assure you that I will approach the topic differently. I find such quick fixes somewhat superficial, and as a member of the mental health community, I want to provide you with a practical guide to genuinely improve your self-esteem. In a generation that often emphasizes "normalizing quick remedies" for various problems, it's crucial to take a step back from this mindset. Instead, I encourage you to adopt a gradual and steady approach to boosting your self-esteem. Here are some tips to assist you on your journey.
Make a note of your trigger points:
This would be a really challenging step but it would be very essential to start off. Triggering points in terms of “self-esteem” would look like this for some of us - body image, sudden changes in life, neglectful parenting, academic / work pressure.
2. Start small with all the triggers:
With the points you've identified, you can begin to focus on how to improve. Start by making small changes in your lifestyle and trying things you’ve never done before. For example, if body image is a major focus for you, begin by incorporating physical activities into your routine, such as yoga, swimming, or walking. Engaging in these activities will boost your happy hormones, leading to a gradual shift in how you view and talk about your body.
3. Embrace and celebrate all of your wins:
Did you get accepted into your dream job or university? Celebrate it! Did you complete your first marathon? Celebrate it! Did you manage to get out of bed even when you didn’t feel like it? Celebrate that too! The conclusion is simple: celebrate yourself and both your small and big victories. The more you do this, the less you'll feel that you don't deserve all the praise you receive.
4. Change your mindset and fight back your Negative thoughts:
In a therapeutic intervention known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one aspect that has always stood out to me is the concept of "Negative Automatic Thoughts." These are unpleasant thoughts that occur fleetingly, and they can significantly affect our minds. To challenge these thoughts, we need to change our mindset. We should take our weaknesses into account and ask ourselves, “Why do we experience these negative thoughts, and how can we change them?” The goal is to replace them with positive counter-thoughts. Over time, this practice can become a habit, allowing us to react to and perceive situations differently.
5. Let go and introspect:
Letting go of people, objects, or even certain situations is easier said than done. However, once your mindset begins to shift positively, you will have a clearer understanding of what and who is contributing to the negativity in your life. If the idea of letting go feels too extreme, consider "distancing yourself" as a more manageable approach. Additionally, self-reflection can greatly enhance your understanding of yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and perceptions of various situations. By following this step-by-step module and maintaining persistence over the months, you can certainly experience a boost in your self-esteem!
I hope you found this post relatable and helpful. Self-esteem is a delicate topic, but improving it is crucial. I wish you all the best with these steps! Until the next blog post, have a wonderful week ahead! And remember, don’t forget to smile today, you lovely human being!
