Self-esteem is an important part of a healthy mindset. However, it is often easy to deplete but difficult to build up. Whether you are dealing with a pessimistic internal dialogue or negative self-talk, allowing intrusive thoughts to become more prevalent can have a damaging effect on your wellbeing.
To combat this, we’ve compiled a list of habits that can aid in rebuilding your self-esteem and, if practiced frequently, can become a positive part of your daily routine.
Gratitude Journal
Journaling has been proven to have many positive effects on mental health. If you specifically center your journaling around optimism and gratitude, you will be able to highlight the experiences in your daily routine that brought you joy. Once you begin to focus on the positive parts of your life, it will become easier to integrate other habits into your routine that can boost your self-esteem.
For example, you can use writing prompts like “I felt proud when…” or you can simply take time to write down three good things that happened over the course of your day. More on journaling here!
Positive Mantras
It will seem silly at first, but reciting positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror has been proven to elevate mood and, if done frequently, boost self-esteem. Positive mantras can be specific, like a quote you love or something that inspires you. On the other hand, they can be simple. Just looking at yourself and repeating “I am enough” or “I am beautiful” can be uplifting. More on positive affirmations here!
Be Kind to Others
Making other people feel good often makes us feel good about ourselves! If you take a few moments out of your day to give a genuine compliment or show someone else appreciation, it will not only elevate the recipient’s mood but yours as well. Studies have shown that people who frequently perform acts of altruism and charity are able to build happiness more easily over time.
Know Your Strengths
Often, acknowledging your own strengths can seem arrogant or uncomfortable. Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance that comes from an appreciation of our abilities or qualities. Arrogance is characterized by having an exaggerated sense of our importance or abilities. Knowing and accepting your strengths helps to build up your self-esteem. Everyone is good at something! Whether you’re funny, a great writer, a loyal friend, kindhearted, or a talented singer, take some time to think about what traits you possess and appreciate them.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment you’re experiencing, without judgment. While this may sound simple, it can often be hard to truly remove yourself from anxiety, to-do lists, daily stressors, and intrusive thoughts. One way to practice mindfulness is to meditate. Meditation doesn’t have to look like it does in the movies; finding a quiet place where you can notice your body and feel your breath for a few minutes will help you to ground yourself to the moment.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
We often allow negative thoughts to infiltrate our internal dialogue without questioning them. When you challenge those thoughts, you allow yourself the chance to decide if there is any evidence behind the way you feel. On the other hand, is there evidence contrary to your thought? For example, you may be convinced that your friends don’t like you. But did they text you this week? Confronting your negative thoughts from all angles may present different opportunities for shifting the way you think and feel.
Having a healthy sense of self-esteem is important for your mental health. If you would like to learn more about how you can boost your confidence or other mental health challenges, give Tx Harmony Counseling Center in The Woodlands a call or contact us here.
