What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is an emotive and complex topic to break down. In simple terms, the concept of self-esteem relates to how we perceive ourselves and our level of self worth. The way we view ourselves has a direct influence on our feelings, beliefs and emotions. As a result, our level of self-esteem has a substantial impact on the way we feel, think and interact with others. Furthermore, it has a real and direct effect on the choices we make.
What effects our level of self-esteem?
Over the course of our lives, our level of self-esteem fluctuates. The way you assess your self worth is not solely the result of how you perceive yourself. Everybody is influenced by the world around them. It is natural to want to be valued by the people we interact with. We are constantly being judged on everything from our personal appearance to the way we act. Therefore, your level of self-esteem will be effected by your relationships with others. Everybody is guilty of having compared themselves to members of their family, peer group, work colleagues or even famous individuals. Yet it is vitally important to consider that every individual is unique. We are all special and have different talents and abilities that help to make us the way we are.
What can you do to build your self-esteem?
Self esteem and confidence should not come from the way others perceive you. Self esteem and confidence must come from inside yourself. It is hard to change the way you think and feel about yourself overnight. However, by taking small steps everyday, you will gradually increase your level of self esteem and confidence. Here are three key tips to help you get the ball rolling to a new, more confidence you.
Tip One – Learn to destroy self defeating beliefs. You may believe that you are not as important as other people. If you truly believe this, you will start acting in ways that will make others believe the same. However, this belief pattern is not only destructive, it is simply not the case. You can learn how to break down self defeating beliefs by learning to speak to yourself in a positive way.
Start to tell yourself that you are a special person with rights, ideas and opinions that are just as valid as the next person. Try this little exercise. I want you to grab some paper and a pen. Over the next few days and weeks, write a list of fifty things that you like about yourself. What is your best feature? What is your favourite character trait? What are you good at? Keep the list safe where you can see it. Whenever you feel low, just read the list. It will help you to focus on the positive rather than the negative.
Tip Two – Look after your physical and mental well-being. The first step is simple but effective. Aim to sat aside time every day to eat three regular and healthy meals. This will help to maintain your level of energy and concentration throughout the day. Next, make sure you get enough sleep each night. Try to do something relaxing before you go to bed. This will help the stress of the day melt away. Set aside thirty minutes a day to exercise. This will help you to stay fit and toned. This in turn will help to give you more confidence about the way you look. Remember, walk tall and smile. If you smile, the world will learn to smile right back at you!
Tip Three – Do something fun! I want you to make a list of everything that interests you. What are your hobbies and interests? What are you passionate about? What new activities would you like to try but have never done before? Is there something that you would like to learn more about? If you need to help thinking of ideas, you can check out the library or just ask other people. Now, I want you to set aside just a few hours a week to do something for you. This will help you to meet new people and life will feel more satisfying and fun.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/three-essential-tips-for-overcoming-low-self-esteem-1324838.html
