4 Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem this February

A very wise drag queen (RuPaul) once said “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” This month, we are celebrating the practice of self-love, and how that ultimately leads to a boost in self-esteem. February is typically a month when love for others is celebrated, so it’s refreshing to turn the focus on ourselves. 

We’ve all struggled with moments in our lives where our self-esteem isn’t the greatest. Healthy self-esteem can be defined as a realistic and appreciative opinion of yourself. Having high self-esteem can help prevent many problems, such as mental disorders, but it can also positively impact our general health and well-being in a positive way. 

Change the Narrative

We all have that little voice in our head that whispers negative thoughts as we go about our days. When you spend your days thinking about all the things that you have done wrong or everything you have failed to do, those thoughts can become a part of your internal narrative.

Rethinking negative situations and experiences in your life can be helpful in improving your self-esteem. Sometimes automatic negative thoughts like ‘you’re fat’ or ‘you’re lazy’ can be repeated in your mind so often that you start to believe they are true. These thoughts are learned, which means they can be unlearned. 

There’s a simple activity that can help you unlearn those negative thoughts. Try writing down any negative thoughts you’ve experienced and then the emotions that you felt. Then write down new any new judgments that are fact-based instead of based on your emotions. Reference these thoughts anytime those negative thoughts creep up.

Stop Comparing

Easier said than done, right? In this day and age, where social media is coming at us from every angle, it’s so difficult to not compare yourself to others. Social media is a highlight reel for many, and just because your favorite influencer may appear happy on your feed, doesn’t necessarily mean they are. Comparisons only lead to negative self-talk, leading to anxiety and stress.

So what can you do? If every time you open up your social media, you’re consumed with dread, it may be time to temporarily unplug. Try taking a break from sites like Instagram and Facebook. It may be difficult at first but ultimately will positively impact your mental health. Can’t fully convince yourself to unplug? Try unfollowing accounts that no longer bring you joy. 

Former president Theodore Roosevelt said it best: "Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Self-Care, Self-Care, Self-Care

Taking care of our bodies and minds can have a major impact on our self-esteem and boost our overall confidence. Self-care can mean different things to different people, and that’s okay. Crank up your favorite song, indulge in a good book, or release your inner child! 

Getting up and moving is a great way to release endorphins, which can have an impact on our happiness. A walk around the block, or just a few moments in nature can give you the reset you need. Eating more whole foods and ensuring sleep is a priority can also benefit your overall health.

It’s also no secret that when you look your best, you feel your best. Take a few extra moments when you’re getting ready in the morning to pamper yourself. We love a dry brushing moment or adding a Gua Sha or Facial Roller to our skincare routine. Those extra minutes spent on yourself will surely translate to glowing skin.

Celebrate Your Strengths

Taking a few moments each day to think about what you accomplished. It can be a meal you cooked, a joke you told, or how you helped a colleague. There’s no better time to remind yourself of the amazing things you’ve done, no matter how little they seem. Doing this will encourage you to look forward to doing more.

And when someone gives you a compliment, accept it! Make sure that when someone admires and says something nice about you, or what you have, believe them and sincerely appreciate what they are saying. As your self-esteem rebuilds, make sure to pay it forward with genuine compliments of your own to others. 

Boosting our self-esteem is a lifelong journey, so consider it a work in progress. We think you’re amazing. 

Do you have a favorite way to boost your self-esteem? Let us know in the comments!