10 Smart Ways to Improve Your Self-esteem

It is very much natural to feel down about yourself every other day. People are not created perfect and sometimes they focus more on those imperfections leading to crumbling down self-esteem. It doesn’t have to be that way though; you do not need to beat yourself up for not being good enough. That is why you should take on these ten smart ways to improve your self-esteem:

1. See the positive.
Although it is much easier to prepare for the worst or to see only the bad things in life, it is important to learn to also see and appreciate the more positive side of every situation. The same thing applies to yourself. Instead of focusing on your mistakes and your flaws, harness that energy to celebrate your strengths.

Look at yourself every day in the mirror and tell yourself, “I am a beautiful person. I am a strong person.” It is important to remind yourself about this on a daily basis. Starting the day on a positive note will definitely boost up your self-esteem!

ALSO READ: How to be More Optimistic and Positive in Life

2. Only accept constructive criticism.
Criticism comes from everywhere and everyone. Even if sometimes you did not ask for it. But it is alright since it is normal to receive feedback for the actions you do. The thing to highlight is that you filter out these criticisms.

Do not allow yourself to be fooled by harsh words disguised as “loving words.” A friend telling you to eat less because you are so fat is not constructive criticism. Instead, pick a friend who says he or she will exercise with you to get in better shape. Only accept words that build you up and not drag you down.

3. Exercise as much as you can.
Speaking of exercise, it is quite true that it does wonders for your body! It helps boost self-esteem physically and mentally. When you allow yourself to move and shape your body, it gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Exercising helps you make feel better about yourself.

If you lose a couple of pounds, good for you! Not only will you be physically fit, but you will also be quite proud every time you look at yourself in the mirror. Every exercise is one step up the ladder to high self-esteem!

4. Dress for yourself.
Dress for no one but yourself. It is quite proven that when you wear clothes that make you feel good; it makes you feel better about yourself. Fashion isn’t only for runaway models or for people who can afford it. Fashion can also be therapeutic.

Every morning, take out the time to decide how to dress, whether it’s high-fashion clashing pieces or just simple jeans and a shirt. Wearing good and comfortable clothes will definitely give you the confidence to seize the day!

5. Do the things you love.
Do the things you love and be proud of it. Whether it is painting, baking, or making inventions out of scrap materials, be proud of the little things that make you who you are. Let your passions pour out into your work and then stand back, take a long look at it, and give yourself a pat on the back.

Doing the things you love does not only make you productive but also gives you a sense of accomplishment that is surely going to boost your self-esteem.

6. Pamper yourself.
Take the time to spoil yourself. It does not need to be anything grand or expensive. After a long hard day at work, take the time to relax and enjoy a hot bath. Schedule yourself a day at the spa. Tour the bookstores in your city. Set up a dinner date with your friends.

You should always know when to take a break. Breaks allow you a breather in life because sometimes we get too caught up in work that we do not know when to rest. Having these pauses is beneficial to both the mind and the body.

7. Cut off toxic people.
Remove toxic people from your life. You don’t need them or their words. Toxic people are those who live to cut you down. They may be friends or even your own family. Always remember to filter out these types of people.

You don’t need people whose words are only to drag you down. Instead, invest your time and energy into people who will help you become a better person. Friends and family who will support you and never change you for who you are.

ALSO READ: 11 Ways to Deal with Toxic People in Your Life

8. Always strive to be better.
You should always strive to be a better version of yourself. Always remember to keep yourself in check, whether it be on your words or actions. Focus on the things that you want improvement on, by doing this you are able to be a person that you are proud of.

Being proud of yourself is not bad, it is a good self-esteem booster. Just note that everything has its limits and continue enhancing yourself!

9. Be who you are.
Discover and try to learn more about yourself. One of the core things about having high self-esteem is to really know yourself. Once you have a firm grasp of your identity, you are able to accept it and rejoice.

If you are not yet sure about yourself or the path you want to take in life, that is alright too! There is no race to win. Take your time in discovering the sides to yourself that you have never seen before.

10. Learn to love yourself.
The most important thing to do after accepting yourself is loving yourself. In this world, you do not have anyone but yourself. That is why it is important to have a strong foundation. When you know who you are, know what you want, and love yourself, it is impossible to bring you down. No amount of negativity or toxic criticism will be enough to chip off your self-esteem. Keep doing you!

The world may break you down but it is important to know that you can still stand up. Even after everyone has passed their judgment and cast their stones at you, when you know who you are and you are proud of yourself, they can never bring you down. Always build up your self-esteem, the world is your stage and you are its performer!

ALSO READ: 40 Ways to Love Yourself

Carisha Yabora

Carisha lives for writing and painting. When she’s not doing either of the two, she is most likely to be seen petting stray dogs or commuting in high fashion boots.