5 Tips to Increase Self-Esteem
A few lifestyle changes that build confidence.
01 Stand Tall
Increasing your posture makes you appear more confident naturally.
Relax your shoulders back.
Look confident and eventually, you will feel confident.
‘Fake it ’til you make it’— as they say!
02 Practice mindfulness
Be mindful daily.
Acknowledge and feel your emotions — they’re there for a reason.
Meditate on what makes you, you.
I do this by sitting down, crisscrossing my legs, closing my eyes, and thinking about whatever I am currently thinking about.
Is this a reoccurring thought on my brain today?
Is this thought positive and productive or negative and unnecessary?
If it’s a negative thought, I dig deeper to uncover why I feel this way.
Was it what someone said? Was it the tone they said it with? Was it how I started my day? Was it how the energy felt after they left?
I basically play detective with myself. Once I find the source of my negative thoughts, I verbally tell myself,
This thought no longer serves me. I let it go. I replace all thoughts with positive, productive ideas that will benefit or teach me in some way.
After I complete a daily meditation, I feel at peace with myself.
I feel calm in my own skin — something people with anxiety typically struggle to feel.
Meditation is the most effective source of peace in my life.
03 Be productive!
Getting things done gives people a feeling of accomplishment.
This feeling inherently increases confidence by showing yourself that you are capable.
If you have a large amount of daily tasks, try making a to-do list!
As you accomplish specific tasks, put a checkmark next to them.
This makes me visually see I am capable and productive — two things that increase my confidence.
04 Surround yourself with positive people
Encouragement fuels confidence.
Surrounding yourself with positive-minded people reinforces a positive mindset.
Meanwhile, surrounding yourself with negative-minded people reinforces a negative mindset.
If you are unable to decide who you are around, such as at work or school, then practice focusing on the positive in every situation. Even when it’s hard.
Your coworker talked bad behind your back?
Instead of focusing on that, focus on something else — the generous tip you received, the super-sweet customer who gives life advice, anything!
05 Exercise — yoga, walk, run, lift, stretch, whatever you like!
Exercising has many benefits:
- Improves brain health
- Helps manage weight
- Reduces health risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Cancer
- Improves ability to complete everyday activities
Since exercise is known to benefit mental and physical health, it inherently increases self-esteem.
Exercise shows your brain and body that you prioritize your health.
If one is aware of prioritizing their health, they are most likely confident in that area.
Not a fan of hard-core exercising? Try yoga!
Yoga works wonders — especially for mental health.
In my experience, yoga increases my overall mood, decreases anxiety, improves my response to stressors, and helps me focus on positive aspects.
If you wish to learn more about yoga, check out Why I Practice Yoga
Thank you for taking the time to read my article! I hope it serves as a helpful piece to increase self-esteem and confidence.
Copyright © 2022 by Grace Leverich. All Rights Reserved.
