Raising self-esteem is not easy. No matter how much you read books or listen to lectures and make resolutions, when the moment of choice comes, you tend to act with low self-esteem out of inertia. However, having healthy self-esteem can make a huge difference in the quality of life, so it is definitely worth making a change.

There are five ways to boost self-esteem. Let's remember and practice those that can be started in daily life. To achieve healthy self-esteem, I will introduce good habits based on materials from Better Up, an American mental health coaching platform.

 

Let's write down the proud aspects of myself.

 

Thinking about your good qualities can be embarrassing. However, by taking the time to reflect on and write down your strengths and achievements, you can develop an attitude of self-acceptance. Keeping a gratitude journal can positively change your perspective on life and help cultivate a positive mindset. Especially, when you write down things you are proud of about yourself, you can read them when negative thoughts occasionally come and dispel those bad thoughts.

Let's stop actions that aim to bring joy to others.

 

People with low self-esteem find it very difficult to refuse others' requests. No matter how tired they are, they feel more at ease if they fulfill others' wishes. Those with low self-esteem often prioritize helping others even at the expense of their own well-being. However, this can ultimately lead to dependence on others and result in greater stress.

 

Even if you want to help, you should first take care of yourself and develop the habit of helping others afterward. Trying to gain self-esteem through your usefulness can ultimately have a negative effect by lowering your self-esteem even more. You should always remind yourself that it's okay not to be loved by others. Now, let's practice saying 'no'.

 

Let's step out of our comfort zone.

 

People with low self-esteem tend to avoid new challenges and opportunities that come by chance. This is due to fear or self-doubt. However, small achievements can lead to great success, so it's good to try. The sense of accomplishment from even small successes builds self-esteem and serves as a driving force to continue new challenges. It is important to remember that stepping out of your comfort zone should not be seen as discomfort. Just approach it with a light heart, trying something new.

 

Never compare yourself to others.

 

You should not compare your growth to others' growth. No matter how successful I am, there will always be someone who is better than me. Having someone better than me does not mean I am inadequate. Each person has a different rate of growth, and their abilities vary. If I judge myself based on others, my achievements may seem insignificant. This can lead to a decrease in self-esteem, so never compare yourself to others.

 

Avoiding social media is also a good approach. Remember that people share their good moments online. The fact that we go to work and sleep is not something we spread rumors about everywhere. We share the good things that happen occasionally or that we don't usually do with others.

Because they cannot stand up alone and have low self-esteem, they develop a desire to stay connected with others even if only online. Due to this feeling, they may exaggerate or boast more than the happiness they currently feel, so don't believe everything you see on social media. It is also good to practice reducing your exposure to social media through digital detox.

 

Setting boundaries to protect myself, establishing 'lines'

 

Boundaries mean a line that protects myself and respects the other's territory. Generally, violence is perceived as ignoring others or physical violence, but crossing the 'line' and becoming overly involved or dependent can also act as emotional violence. To prevent this, it is important to establish boundaries that allow me to maintain my integrity.

 

I need to consider the boundaries I can personally and socially accept. And I should also think about how I will react when people cross those boundaries. Even if it’s not intentional, crossing the line can always happen. Setting boundaries is a way to prevent others from controlling or exploiting you, and it is also practicing firmness.

 

While the way to set boundaries at work may differ, practicing drawing lines at the workplace is important. Never forget that protecting myself always comes first.

 

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Self-esteem is really one of the most important parts.

If this gradually decreases,

Why am I so irritated and overwhelmed?

Even motivation reaches the afterlife~

 

How is your self-esteem?

Do you think you are managing well?

 

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