How do I improve my low self esteem?

Answer 1

Keep a list of good things to refer to when you are feeling down - things that you have achieved or that make you happy. Be your own best friend, who reminds you of what's best about yourself.

Don't stay in with the computer all the time - go out, get fresh air, smile at people, be part of your community. Also, have a proper routine for the jobs that have to be done - cleaning, self-care, paying bills, etc - you will feel better for being on top of them. You can give yourself a reward for each job completed....

Think about the activities you enjoy most or are best at and plan more time for them in your life, and in ways that involve other people.
So if you are a good cook, cook good meals for yourself, but also volunteer to cook for a local project. If you enjoy singing, join a choir. If you feel you have no particular skills, why not take an evening class to learn a new one.

Exercise is good for your self-esteem as it makes you fitter and better able to cope with stress, but it has to be the right exercise for you. If you are not into team sports or the gym, consider walking, cycling, jogging or dance.

Imagine that you are a photographer or journalist with an assignment to record something beautiful or joyful every day. This will make you go looking for the positive things in yourself, in other people, in nature and in the world around you.

Budget for a small treat each week, whether it's a magazine, a movie, a bright scarf, a new picture for your wall, a manicure, whatever you enjoy.....

Make a list of ten things you would like to achieve or experience in the next few years, and start doing them! Don't get anxious about things you have not yet done - you still have them to look forward to.

Don't give into negative thoughts about yourself or other people, or guilt about the past. Treat each day as a fresh chance to do some good in the world, to look for the best in other people and in yourself and to enjoy life.

Good luck!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Try to find an activity which you will enjoy and can be reasonably successful at. A sport, exercise class, swimming - any physical activity has the double benefit of improving your fitness and your sense of well being. If physical activity doesn't suit, how about a craft such as painting, photography, or needlework? Singing in a choir and amateur dramatics are also great fun, and you can be involved behind the scenes if you're shy. Charity work is rewarding, too. Somewhere out there is an activity to suit you,and help raise your self esteem. Good luck!

Answer 4

my self esteem has increased dramatically over the past month, for a few years my confidence was at an all time low but one month ago i came to the point of a mental breakdown (not the first) but just carried myself through it, and that helped me realise my strength and worth as a valid member of society. The woman who was first to answer this question was spot-on, It'll come the moment you realise what you really like and dislike, and also when you realise your strengths and weaknesses, and it's actually quite fun trying to better yourself as a person, Its like playing a computer game where you keep trying to reach the next level, to smash through the barrier thats been holding you back, and once you do, it feels great. In a nutshell, say YES to anything which is going to improve you in any aspect.

Answer 5

To 'Someone' (not much of an 'identity' that, I'll grant you): the main way to refind a sense of self lies not in introspection and worry - but in your relationships with others around you. If you can push yourself to be a bit less self-regarding for a while - put it to the test - and focus on being positive and interested in those around you, then you WILL find that reflected back to you. Result: your self esteem spirals UPward. You have to give, to get back, honey.
Oh, and remember. When youre having sleepless nights over what other people think of you, ask yourself; has anyone ever died because of someone elses opinion? (I don't think so....)

Answer 6

One way that I have found to be successful is by visualisation. It really works ... takes time agreed but the more you do it, the more you will be planting the seeds for a better outlook and a fabulous long term sense of esteem.
Try Paul McKenna's book on confidence .... it's very simple to read, absorb and put into practice but it WILL help you. And it uses a lot of creative visualisation techniques that I have found incredibly useful. Listen ... you can do it .... just try it.

Answer 7

I know exactly how you feel! I struggle with this too, when someone gives a compliment, you don't believe it. Like they're just playing with you, like they don't really mean it. I feel like I can't talk to my friends about anything, because It will ruin the confident exterior I built up for myself. I was fat, I had glasses, I had acne, and I had super short hair. I never ever want to be the old me ever again. My worst fear is that I will look like I use to, I lost a lot of weight by diet and exercise, I don't have braces anymore, my face cleared, my cheekbones are more prominent, and I stay active. I never ever ever want to go back to who I was. I run a tight ship when it comes to food, I count calories like money, and everyone says it's not healthy how little I eat, but I don't care. I would rather die than be 50 pounds heavier again. That urge, that need to feel perfect and be perfect never goes away for me. I weigh myself every single day to make sure I either weigh less or the same. I think it's because we aren't stupid, we knew what we looked like and who we were, and we didn't like it. And I think now that our standards for our self image is so high, that when we don't meet them, we hate ourselves for it. I feel terrible, because when I see someone who is severely overwheight I feel loathe, not towards them but towards me. Because I know where they are, and it's where I've been.

Answer 8

You should congratulate yourself for something you have done everyday. You must be around people who are aware of who you really are and appreciate you. You should join clubs and meet new friends. You should do what you are good at and practise to improve at the things that you may not be that great at. Remember you are you, not anyone else. Other people are great because they are true to themselves and their abilities.

If you constantly live to be like others or to have someone Else's life, then you Will be constantly be disappointed with the outcome. You are not someone else so do not live their dreams and goals. Live your dreams. Find out who you really are. Be aware of yourself. What makes you tick? Discover what you like and don't like, how you feel and don't feel. Live each moment as you, and like it were your last.

If you can live like this you will truly love your gift that God has given you. When you arrive at judgement God will not ask what you have done with other people's gifts and talents, moments, energy and life. He will ask you what you have done with yours.
WHAT WILL YOU SAY?

Answer 9

If you want to become a better singer and you can't afford expensive lessons with vocal coaches you should really try online programs. This one:

http://howtosing.toptips.org

in my opinion is the best online step-by-step system designed to improve your singing voice.

Whether you are a beginner or you have some singing skills, this tool can help you gain amazing vocal control, develop excellent pitch, unlock great tone, improve your vocal power, gain precise vocal agility, increase your vocal range and learn advanced signing techniques.

I used it and I saw great results. That's why I recommend it.

Answer 10

I would suggest you take up a hobby - anything at all that you find interesting.

Having a purpose to your life, apart from the usual (school/college/work/family, etc) is the first step to feeling equal (or even better!) than others.

I find that Martial Arts does wonders for you. It raises your inner pride, you get fit, you do something outside of the home, you meet a variety of people, it give you a sense of at least knowing the basics of protecting yourself (enough to temporarily disable any assailant) so you can get away.

Its the best all-round hobby ever!