It takes action to see results. Yet, most of the time, our needs as moms tend to fall to the wayside after the kids, our partners, cleaning the house, even the family dog! Moms’ needs matter too though and saying “It’ll get better one day” or “this too shall pass” only prolongs our journey to living our best lives.
If you’re suffering from low self-esteem and you’re tired of waiting around for things to improve, this summer is the perfect time to take action. The warm weather, sunshine and slower pace are a perfect way to usher in the new you. Here are some simple steps you can take to feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin:
1. Exercise
Gone are the excuses of its too cold and miserable to venture outside to workout! Yes, you’ve probably already heard a million times that exercise can improve your self-image, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. Not only does getting in shape improve your exterior appearance, exercise also releases endorphins that make you feel happier and more energetic.
The key is to finding something you actually enjoy doing so you can stick with it. If a 90-minute boot camp class isn’t your style, maybe a chill candlelight yoga class would be. Run outside (or not), swim in a local pool with the kids, try a barre class with a friend (and hit the bar after ha), whatever it is that gets you moving counts.
2. Do Things for Other People
While people with low self-esteem don’t often think highly of themselves, yet do think frequently of themselves, constantly ruminating about their own inadequacy in a way that creates cyclical, inescapable self-doubt. The solution is to get out of your own head by doing things for other people. Paradoxically, self-improvement can begin when you stop focusing so much on yourself and act altruistically toward others.
Volunteer at your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen, pay for coffee for the person in line behind you, or go out of your way to help friends with things they’re struggling with. When you stop thinking so much of yourself, you can get out of your own way and start making things better.
3. View Your Circumstances Realistically
We often blame ourselves for things that are beyond our control, internalizing our failures and growing to expect them. But taking our personalized circumstances into account can be a way of forgiving ourselves for not being perfect. Instead of diving into shame when you don’t achieve a goal, consider the difficulties that prevented you from getting there, and how you can prevent them when you try again. It’s not making excuses—it’s giving yourself credit for effort and being realistic about the challenges of life.
4. Learn to Laugh at Yourself
We tend to take ourselves very seriously, with the misguided notion that approaching everything like it’s life or death will lead to a better outcome. Developing a sense of humor is a great way to deal with disappointment-after all, tragedy + time = comedy. Try to picture your experiences from the perspective of an outsider with an eye for the absurdity of the whole thing. Your esteem will improve when you can grasp the inherent silliness of life. If that’s hard to do, there are lots of local comedy clubs. Spend the night laughing away at one for date night or a girl’s night out.
5. Practice Positive Self-Talk
The internal monologue of a person with low self-esteem can emphasize the negative constantly. Don’t focus on your failures and shortcomings. The solution is to counteract your tendency toward negativity with affirmations of your worth and your power. You may feel awkward at first, but you’re already talking to yourself anyway—you’re just saying the wrong things! The next time you make a mistake, remind yourself that you’re human. Tell yourself that you’ll learn and grow from the experience. And try looking in the mirror every morning and telling yourself that you deserve happiness and success. Because believe it or not, YOU DO!
Lets make this your best summer yet in the confidence department! What other tips have helped you enjoy life more and improve your self-esteem?
