Having self-worth and self-confidence is key when it comes to your mental health and overall well-being. Without it, there’s a chance that you’ll develop unhelpful coping habits, depression, anxiety, or find yourself in relationships and friendships that don’t serve you.
It’s important to see yourself as a valuable person who is adored by others and as someone who contributes to the world. When you love and think highly of yourself, romantic partners, family members, and friends will think the same. But it’s often easier said than done.
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to start building up your self-worth. By implementing these five tips, you’ll feel ready to take on the world in no time.
Identify what you like about yourself
Every morning before you leave for work or school, grab an empty notebook and jot down something that you admire or love about yourself. This could be your loyalty to your friends, athleticism, willpower, love for animals, commitment to recycling, your beautiful peach-shaped bottom—there are no limits! By reflecting on the positive attributes and features that you encompass, your insecurities and self-doubt will fade. You’ll begin seeing yourself as someone who is worthy of healthy relationships, success, and a fulfilling, happy life.
If you’re not very good at taking the time to write in a journal, find a sticky note and write down three to five things that you love about yourself. Stick the note on your bathroom mirror and be sure to read it every morning.
Get moving
It’s much easier to see your self-worth when you’re feeling physically fit and healthy, which is why exercising, eating well, and getting adequate sleep is essential. When you have low self-esteem and low self-worth, it’s easy to replace your bi-weekly workout class with a Netflix marathon but this will not serve you in the long-term.
Plus, exercising releases “feel good” hormones, which means you’ll feel happier and more accomplished after a sweat session.
Surround yourself with positive, successful people
Once you reach adulthood, it becomes clear that certain family relationships and friendships make you feel better than others. If this is the case, it’s wise to put some distance between you and the people who don’t make you feel good about yourself. Life is simply too short to spend time with folks who don’t support your goals or share in your happiness.
Challenge your negative thoughts
Let’s be honest, nobody loves themselves 24/7. It’s normal to experience negative thoughts and self-doubt but it’s important to challenge and question these feelings when they occur. If you ever think to yourself “I can’t do this” or “I don’t deserve this”, try to search for evidence that contradicts your negative statements. It’s all about being mindful, recognizing your self-worth, and shooting down the false opinions you have about yourself.
Try something new
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is neglecting to take on new challenges or do things that scare you. By doing this, you’re missing out on the amazing boost of confidence that occurs after you excel at something you never thought you’d try. If you’re feeling nervous about taking on a new challenge or trying a new activity, ask a friend to join you. It can be a great bonding experience and unforgettable memories will be made.
