Ideas for Building a Healthy Self-Image and Improving Self-Esteem

1. Start small – Take it one step at a time

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You’re not going to change everything all at once, so don’t be afraid to start small. Set simple and achievable goals, and then start completing them.

2. Say “No” to your inner critic

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Learning how to handle and replace the voice of your inner critic is a good place to start with raising your self-esteem. Identify and challenge negative thoughts. The easier it is to identify an issue, the easier it is to change it.

3. Take a 2-minute self-appreciation break

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Sometimes it helps to simply take a deep breath, slow down, and ask yourself what it is that you appreciate about yourself. These things do not have to be big, but they should reflect what it is that you like about yourself in that moment. Thinking of a few things that you appreciate about yourself will help you to build your self-esteem, and it can help you turn a negative mood into a positive one.

4. Go for good enough

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When someone aims for perfection it can be easy to disappoint yourself, and this will affect that way that you view yourself in the future. Knowing that it is okay to do your best and be happy with the finished project, even if it has flaws, can help you improve the way you view yourself. Avoid thinking about the ways in which you failed, and celebrate the things that you succeeded in doing.

5. Avoid falling into the comparison trap

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Comparing yourself to others places you in a position in which you can never win. There is always someone who has more or is better than you at something. A better plan is to compare yourself to yourself and to focus on how far you have come. Focusing on your results with motivate you and it will help to raise your self-esteem. 

6. Spend your time with supportive people.

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Spending time with people that care about you and support what you are doing can be extremely beneficial. When others believe in your abilities, it can be easier to believe in yourself.

7. Don’t let the haters stop you

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Some people may work to bring you down, and make you feel like you are not good enough. Avoid placing an emphasis on what these people have to say, and remind yourself that you can do it. 

8. Dress in clothes that make you feel good about yourself

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Dressing yourself in something that makes you feel good can improve your confidence about yourself, and it will make you feel good. It is something simple, but it can make a difference. 

9. Eat good food

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Having a healthy, balanced diet will help your body and mind perform at its best, and you will feel better about yourself.

10. Exercise regularly.

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This can mean going for a brisk walk every day, or exercising vigorously a few times a week. Exercise helps to improve your physical health as well as your mental health and mood, and it will help you feel great.

11. Get enough sleep

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Sleep can benefit your mind and body and it can help you to feel good about yourself. Sleep helps to reduce stress, avoid depression, and sharpen your attention. 

12. Do things you enjoy doing

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People tend to enjoy doing things that they are good at, and that makes them feel good about themselves. Doing things that you enjoy doing will bring you a sense of accomplishment and it can improve your mood and thoughts about yourself, and your abilities.

13. Do something nice for someone else

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When you are kinder towards others you tend to treat and think of yourself in a kinder way too. These acts do not need to be big, but they will help you, and someone else, to feel better. 

14. Remember that you’re awesome

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There is no one else exactly like you in this world, and that makes you incredibly special. Embrace who you are, and remember to love who you are.

Sources:
Positivity Blog
Psychology Today
Health.com