What Does A Healthy Self-Esteem Look Like?
More Importantly, What Does A Healthy Self-Esteem Feel Like?
Our Body & Self-image are so important. Our perceptions of ‘self-worth’ greatly impact our day-to-day lives, our ability to feel joy, to be positive, impacts our relationships, our productivity & successes…
Studies by The Butterfly Research Institute conducted a National Survey and found that more than 1 in 3 Australians are unhappy with the way they look. The survey shows that more than half of Australians rarely speak positively about themselves.
Key findings from the survey include:
Over 40% of people are dissatisfied with their appearance.
An overwhelming 73% of people wished they could change the way they look.
66.6% of people remember being bullied or teased for their appearance at some stage in their life.
41.5% of people most of the time or always compare themselves to others on social media
53.6% of people rarely or never speak positively about their appearance.
I myself recall a time when I was younger, someone asked me; ‘Tell Me 10 Things You Like About Yourself ‘ To this day, I remember the train ride home that day, turning the experience over in my mind. With each stop closer to home I questioned, why was that so hard to do? We are aware that self-image is shaped throughout a lifetime, and based on our experiences, or rather our perception of our experiences. This perception evolves along with us, and this is something we have the power to re-shape. Self-image is correlated with what we see in the mirror (as you might expect), but it is far more complex than that. Self-image describes our overall perception of ourselves, both inwardly and externally.
Let us improve on these statistics and identify the positive aspects of yourself. Build a positive relationship with who you see in the mirror. Write down 10 things you like about yourself. Then make a list of 10 skills you have. Whatever you’re good at, just add to your list of abilities. With this, include a quick remark describing how other people have benefited, or may benefit from these skills, and with this begin appreciating your self-worth and all that you have to offer. Then, make a list of instances where you overcome challenges of some type. Any kind of adversity, each of these events should be documented in full so that you have a written reminder of your abilities, your power, and your perseverance. Repeat these exercises, like any muscle it needs time to strengthen. With time your positive perception will support your ability to recognise all your useful talents and see yourself as a valued individual.
Make a list of positive aspects of your life. Practicing thankfulness is a wonderful habit to cultivate, in this list, also include appreciation. Understanding how you have benefited from the wonderful things that have happened to you in your life encompasses taking time to appreciate them, which implements a natural process to feel appreciative and upbeat about yourself and your life. Adjust your thought processes and beliefs by replacing any negative or untrue thoughts with positive and accurate thoughts.
Take care of yourself. Follow good health guidelines. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Something as simple as getting a new haircut lifts your spirits. According to The Cambridge Times, a new haircut not feels great it also relieves tension, releases endorphins and serotonin, increases circulation, and improves self-confidence. Much like clothes, which also grant the power to boost dopamine (referred to as dopamine dressing), which makes you feel good. The clothes we wear make an enormously positive impact on how we feel.
Do things you enjoy. Start by making a list of things you like to do. Try to do something from that list every day.
Spend time with people who make you happy. Spend time with people who treat you well, appreciate you and respect you.
Here are five ways to nourish your self-esteem when it is low:
Practice positive affirmations regularly.
Identify your abilities and expand them.
Learn to accept compliments.
Eliminate self-criticism and introduce self-compassion.
Affirm your real worth.
There are many support organisations & systems in place available.
(if you are struggling to make that shift yourself please ask for help).
If I can be of any support, please feel free to contact me
Elizabeth Zielinski♥
