‍Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves. It can affect your happiness as a whole and whether you trust in your decisions and assert yourself.Problems may arise if your self-esteem levels are too high or too low. But having the right level of self-esteem helps to enhance your overall personal worth. In addition, self-esteem is the key to understanding yourself and celebrating your individuality.

How do you benefit from improving your self-esteem?

There are many benefits to improving your self-esteem. For example, if you have good self-esteem, you can feel empowered to be yourself without apology. People who value themselves do not feel like they have to fit in or be accepted by an individual or group. Instead, they can just be themselves and not have to worry about what others think. Being completely free-minded is an incomparable feeling that allows you to be much more comfortable in your own skin and body.If you have low self-esteem issues, you may find communicating to be difficult, as well as experience problems with relationships and never feel as though you should celebrate a win. Not only that, but you may even have less clarity in your decision-making and be afraid of the unknown. Good self-esteem can help you to feel a sense of purpose, a drive to succeed, be more willing to help others, and embrace new challenges head-on. That’s why it is so vital to work towards this healthier mindset, as not only do you deserve it, but it's the key to a happy life. You will soon become much more resilient, accept yourself for exactly who you are and improve your overall health.

Boost your self-esteem to boost your self-acceptance and face challenges.

If you have good self-esteem, the more likely it is that you will accept yourself. As your self-esteem develops, you will start to recognise that some mistakes and failures are out of your control and see them as opportunities to learn and grow as opposed to feeling ashamed or guilty.However, this mindset is difficult to achieve when you have low self-esteem levels. To overcome these challenges, the first step is to believe in yourself, and the rest will follow.

What methods can you use to improve your self-esteem?

Do you want to improve your self-esteem? See below for my helpful insights on how to get there.

Develop a positive attitude.

A positive attitude to situations you would have previously had a negative attitude towards can help alter your perspective on life. But how can you develop a positive attitude? Firstly, you need to listen to your inner dialogue and focus on the positive aspects over the negatives. It's not about what you could have done or what you don’t have, it’s about what you did do and the lessons you learnt, as well as what you have to be grateful for.

Set goals and give yourself purpose.

Even the smallest of goals can give us purpose and help us to feel rewarded. Striving towards something in life will give you a sense of achievement. This could be something as simple as making your bed in the morning. If that is your purpose for that hour, you should feel a sense of achievement that you’ve met your purpose.So, set yourself some goals, find ways to achieve them through your daily activities, and you’ll improve your self-esteem in the process.

Get moving and eat a balanced diet.

Exercise and a good diet are critical for a healthy mind and body. By moving regularly, we release endorphins and serotonin, which is known as the ‘happy hormone’. The same can be said for eating a well-balanced diet, as it ensures you are getting the right nutrition to help your body perform at its best. By focusing on building a healthy lifestyle, you will soon feel a sense of confidence and positivity that’ll only support your journey to improved self-esteem.

Set time aside for yourself.

Following a long, hard day's work, you need to give yourself time to unwind. Doing something you love is crucial to the human experience as it challenges our minds and brings happiness to our day. People who value themselves typically spend some time on a daily basis doing the things they love. If possible, blend this into your routine, and you’ll soon feel happier and, in turn, more motivated to reach your goals. There is no doubt that you can live a happier, more fulfilling life by improving your self-esteem. In therapy, this is something you can work on and measure with each passing session. As a person-centred counsellor based in Warrington, Cheshire, I have a wealth of experience in helping all my clients find the right solutions for them. If you would like to learn more about how I work - or if you want to book a session - please visit my website and let's focus on building your self-esteem.