High self-esteem is directly related to happiness, according to an article published by the American Psychological Society. When you have high self-esteem, you perform better, are more likely to achieve success and less likely to be depressed and have a better response to stressful situations. Unfortunately, low self-esteem can be difficult to overcome. Aside from seeking the help of a therapist, you should try steps or activities to help you improve the way you see yourself.
Make A List
Positive self-evaluation is key to see and accept your own accomplishments, according to professional mentor and corporate leader John Place. A good activity to get you started is to make a list of your accomplishments. Look at both your professional and personal life and write down anything you can come up with: a raise, a passed exam, positive feedback or praise from your boss, teacher, friends and family. Once you've written down everything you can come up with, keep a journal so you can record new accomplishments as they come up.
Take time once a week to sit down and evaluate those accomplishments. Even if they seem small, think of them as steps toward your ultimate goals.
Evaluate Your Strengths
Based on the original list of accomplishments you put together, make a checklist of your skills. Write down what makes you strong and self-sufficient and what characteristics have helped you reached the place where you are today. Strengths can be general things such as intelligence or kindness, or they can be less obvious, such as that you helped somebody or are good with animals.
Once you've found your strengths, think of ways you can develop them even more. Rather than focusing on the things you can't do, look for ways to get better at what you're already good at. Search for classes or workshops, join organizations or read books on the subject. The more you improve, the more your self-esteem will increase.
Take Care Of Yourself
The better you take of yourself, the more you will value your life and health. This means not only taking care of your body, but also listening to your wants and needs. Spending time to cultivate friendships or volunteering for a cause you love can help you feel better about who you are. Or you might want to take a yoga class to help you relax or join a gym to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Taking time to do things you love can improve the way you feel about life in general and in turn about yourself, according to Health.com. Whether this means playing the piano or getting a massage, it sends the signal that you are valuable and deserve time. If you have a special ability or talent, look for ways to put it into good use by volunteering or by creating items you can donate. Or donate your time at a local shelter so you feel you're doing something worthwhile.
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