5 Ways to Boost your Self-Esteem.

Sometimes we are our own worse enemy. Constantly comparing ourselves to others, thinking that they have a better figure/house/life/partner/job than us.

When our self-esteem is low, life is far from good. In fact, it feels pretty awful. Obviously raising your self-esteem is easier said than done, but there are small steps you can take. Below I’ve listed 5 ways to boost your self-esteem.

 1)   Be kind to yourself

The first step towards being comfortable in your own skin is to be kind and forgiving to yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself! We’ve all made mistakes in life and the important question to ask yourself is, did you learn from them? Because it’s very likely you did. The next step is to forgive yourself and move on in life. Don’t stay stuck in sorrow and despair wishing it had never happened. That is a recipe for an unproductive life and what’s worse is your self‐esteem will continue to head downhill. Look at yourself in the mirror and say you forgive yourself for what you did and now you’re going to start living again. Remember, you’re human and you’re not alone. We all make mistakes. Try to stop criticising yourself and treat yourself with some tender loving care, you and those around you will really benefit.

2)   Do something you enjoy that makes you feel good

Try to take the time out to do something that fills you will joy. Life doesn’t just have to be about work, chores, family and responsibilities. It’s important to have hobbies or people to meet with that make you feel good about yourself. Doing something you enjoy releases endorphins, which are ‘feel good’ hormones that happen when you laugh, do exercise or do something you find positive. Maybe try doing something creative like a sewing or art class, or join an exercise class. I know that the one thing that keeps me sane is doing an exercise class with Fit For a Princess, so I ensure I go regularly!

3)   Start changing the language you use.

Be aware of your self-talk. If you’re constantly telling yourself you’re ugly, not good enough, incapable, fat, useless etc. then how can you feel happy and confident? I often suggest clients find a positive affirmation that resonates with them (often the opposite of what they tell themselves negatively). Some of my favourites are:

I approve of myself

I am safe

I respect, love and accept myself exactly as I am

I have something special to offer the world

Being confident in myself comes naturally to me.

At first these affirmations might feel a little ridiculous, but that’s because they’re clearly not your current belief system. But the trick is to make them your belief by building up a new habit of thought. Your thoughts create things, so choose the good ones!

 4)   Set a small goal and achieve it

Sometimes we set ourselves up for failure. People often make the mistake of shooting for the stars, and then when they fail, they get discouraged. Instead, shoot for something much more achievable. Set a goal you know you can achieve, and then achieve it. You’ll feel good about that. Now set another small goal and achieve that. The more you achieve small goals, the better you’ll be at it, and the better you’ll feel. Soon you’ll be setting bigger (but still achievable) goals and achieving those too.

5)   Try some homeopathic remedies

There are several homeopathic remedies to help improve low self‐esteem by bringing balance to your emotional health. Negative feelings bring imbalance to the body, resulting in low self‐confidence and self‐esteem. Homeopathic remedies work to help people who want to make a change in their emotional and mental wellbeing. It assists them in having a more positive outlook on life which results in improved self‐esteem.

Ideally it’s better to see a homeopath for a thorough consultation as everyone’s self-esteem issues will be different, but here is a list of 3 remedies that I prescribe the most often for confidence issues.

Lycopodium: Generally people needing this remedy will have a fear of undertaking new things and feel inferior to others. They have a big fear of failure and ‘losing face’ and are concerned their ego will be damaged. Externally they might appear quite confident and hide their insecurities with bravado. It’s a great remedy to take before you have to speak publicly.

Staphasagria: This remedy is for low self‐esteem as a result of past hurt and suppressed anger. People needing this remedy may have abandonment and rejection issues. They are usually a people pleaser and worry about how others view them.

Pulsatilla: People who need this remedy often express anxiety as insecurity and clinginess, with a need for constant support and comforting. The person may be moody, tearful, whiny, even emotionally childish. (Pulsatilla is a very useful remedy for children.) Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room often increases anxiety. Fresh air and gentle exercise often bring relief. Anxiety around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) often is helped with Pulsatilla.

What do you find helpful to improve your self-esteem? If you have any tips or tricks, please share them in the comments section below!

Until next time, have a happy, healthy week.

t: +44 (0)7582 269569
e: claire@clairezarb.com
w: www.clairezarb.com
s: c.zarb