Self Esteem and How it Develops
Self-esteem is how we view ourselves and our worth. Our self-image, self-respect, self-confidence, body-image, self-care, and identity are some of the factors within self-esteem. Self-esteem can impact many areas of our lives, and working on increasing our self-esteem can have many benefits.
Signs of Low Self Esteem | Signs of High Self Esteem |
Codependency Disordered Eating Substance Abuse Poor Communication Skills Social Difficulties | Confidence Healthy Understanding of Skills and Difficulties Present and Future Focused Healthy Relationships Understands Their Own Needs Assertive Communication Open to Feedback Motivated and Goal-Oriented |
Self-esteem develops and changes over our lifetime. Life experiences, caregivers, trauma, mental health, messages from media, stress, and peer interactions can positively or negatively impact our self-esteem and self-talk. Self-talk refers to the thoughts that we have about ourselves throughout each day. Some of our self-talk may develop from direct statements told to us, while other self-talk may develop from indirect statements, such as social modeling or media. Negative self-talk can act as a major influence in our self-esteem, and can be one area to start working on if you’re struggling with low self-esteem. If you’re interested in working on your self-esteem, try some of the tips below.
Ways to Improve Self Esteem
Challenge Negative Self-talk
When you’re thinking negatively about yourself, ask yourself “what would I say to a friend if I heard them talking like this?” or “What are the facts of this situation?” Challenging negative self-talk with questions like these can help reinforce more positive thoughts about yourself.
Set Achievable Goals and Work Towards Them
Healthy goals are specific, time-oriented, and realistic. Setting and achieving these goals helps us feel more confident, motivated and successful. You can set small goals each day for self-care, socialization, or wellness.
Self-Esteem Journal
A self-esteem journal is a quick, daily activity to increase self-esteem. Just write down 3 things about yourself that are positive each day. You could focus on positive characteristics, achievements of the day, or strengths.
Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are verbal mantras that you can practice to improve self-esteem. Start each morning with a few positive affirmations, such as “I am strong, I am capable, I am worthy.” Create your own positive affirmations or find them through song lyrics, quotes, or mantras.
Self-Care
Self-care activities can be used to pamper yourself and improve self-esteem. Daily acts of self-care, such as a skincare routine, exercise, enjoyable hobbies, or healthy eating can help boost self-esteem each day.
Healthy Support Network
A healthy support network can help remind us of our strengths during difficult times in our lives! Be sure to stay connected to your support network, especially on days that you might not be feeling your best.
If you’re looking for another way to help improve your self-esteem, working with a therapist may help!
Mind, Body, and Soul Therapy & Counseling has a team of licensed therapists near you ready to help. Our team of passionate mental health advocates supports mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and more for children, teens, and adults of all ages. Our offices conveniently located in Moorestown and Collingswood provide high-quality mental healthcare. Contact Mind Body Soul Therapy & Counseling to set up your first appointment with one of our therapist.