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The importance of self-esteem

February 22, 2024

February is Boost Self-Esteem Month which is dedicated to helping people build on their self-confidence and belief in themselves. “Boosting self-esteem is a gradual process that involves adopting positive habits and perspectives.” Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Tom MacLaren.

 

Below Dr MacLaren shares his top 10 Tips to help boost self-esteem:

Practice Self-Compassion

  • Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend.
  • Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, we all have flaws.

Set Realistic Goals

  • Set achievable and realistic goals to build a sense of accomplishment – you need to set yourself up for success.
  • Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.

Celebrate Achievements

  • Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, regardless of their size. Keep a journal of your achievements to reflect on when you need a confidence boost.

Positive Affirmations & Self-Reflection

  • Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
  • Remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities. Take time for self-reflection to understand your values, strengths and areas for improvement. Identify negative thought patterns and work on changing them.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

  • Positivity breeds positivity. Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals who uplift and encourage you. Distance yourself from toxic relationships that contribute to negative self-perception. Focus on the positive aspects of your life

Take Care of Your Physical Health

  • Exercise regularly, as physical activity can positively impact your mood and self-image.
  • Exercising outdoors in the fresh air can be particularly advantageous.
  • Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support overall well-being.

Learn and Grow

  • Cultivate a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.
  • Embrace lifelong learning and seek out new experiences.

Assertiveness

  • Learn to express your needs and opinions assertively without being overly passive or aggressive.
  • Set boundaries to protect your wellbeing.

Accept Imperfections

  • Accept that nobody is perfect, and it’s okay to have imperfections.
  • Embrace your uniqueness and value your individuality.

Seek Professional Support

  • If low self-esteem is significantly impacting your life, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor.

 

Remember that building self-esteem is an ongoing process, and it’s normal to have setbacks. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to making positive changes in your life.

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