Welcome to the second month of 2023!
Did you know that February is Boost Self-Esteem Month? If you didn't, that's OK. The month is dedicated to finding ways to help improve your self-esteem and self-worth.
February is a time of renewal and self-reflection. With the winter season beginning to ease and the promise of spring just around the corner, it’s a great time to focus on building and maintaining your self-esteem. Having a healthy self-esteem is an essential part of living a fulfilled and meaningful life, and this can be a great time to build it.
What is self-esteem and why is it important?
Self-esteem is the opinion we have of ourselves and the way we think and feel about our worth. It can be defined by many factors including identity, sense of belonging, self-confidence, security and competence. It’s how we judge ourselves and our abilities, and it impacts our overall mental and physical health.
Low self-esteem can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as a lack of motivation and a sense of failure. On the flip side, having healthy self-esteem can help us live more fulfilling lives, as it allows us to have a positive attitude, high confidence and make more meaningful connections with others, such as our friends, family, and teammates.
What are the benefits of having healthy self-esteem?
Having healthy self-esteem can have a number of positive impacts on our lives and helps contribute to feelings of worthiness and security. People with healthy self-esteem tend to have better relationships with their friends, family, teammates, and colleagues. They're more likely to take risks, are more confident in their abilities and decisions, and more likely to pursue their goals and dreams without the fear of failure.
Some signs of healthy self-esteem are:
Assertive in expressing needs and opinions
Confident in ability to make decisions
Able to form secure and honest relationships, and discontinue unhealthy ones
Realistic in expectations; not overcritical of self or others
More resilient; better able to endure stress and setbacks
How does social media affect our self-esteem?
In our current society, it is easy to fall into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves to those around us. Trying to constantly portray the best versions of ourselves. It is easy to feel inadequate under this pressure.
On one hand, social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family. It can also provide a platform for people to express themselves and share their thoughts and opinions with others. This can certainly lead to increased self-confidence as we feel more comfortable in our own skin.
On the other hand, social media can have a negative effect on self-esteem. People may compare themselves to others or feel inadequate when they see images of seemingly perfect lives on their feeds. This can lead to feelings of insecurity or low self-worth. Additionally, cyberbullying is a real problem that can cause psychological damage to those who are targeted.
Self-esteem boosting activities you can do in February
There are a number of activities you can do to help boost your self-esteem. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Get outside: Taking a walk or simply spending time in nature can help to boost your mood and your self-esteem.
Practice gratitude: Spend some time each day focusing on what you’re thankful for. This can help to shift your focus to the positive things in your life and can help to boost your self-esteem.
Set goals: Setting goals can help to give you focus and direction.
Celebrate your successes: Take time to recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. This can remind you down the line of your accomplishments.
Speak kindly to yourself: Make sure to speak kindly to yourself and be aware of any negative self-talk.
Practice self-care: Make time for yourself and focus on activities that make you happy.
Set boundaries: Set healthy boundaries with yourself and others and don’t be afraid to say “no” if something doesn’t feel right.
Recognize your strengths: Take time to recognize your strengths and the things that make you unique.
How to speak kindly to yourself
Speaking kindly to yourself is an essential part of building and maintaining your self-esteem. Make sure to practice self-compassion and be aware of any negative self-talk. Instead of focusing on your flaws and mistakes, focus on your strengths and successes. Make sure to be kind and gentle with yourself and remember that you’re worthy and deserving of love and respect.
How to practice self-care
Practicing self-care is an important part of building and maintaining your self-esteem. Make sure to take time for yourself and focus on activities that make you feel good. This could include reading a book, taking a yoga class, getting a massage, or just taking a few minutes to meditate. Additionally, make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and stay active.
With the right attitude and the right tools, you can harness the power of February to boost your self-esteem and live a happier, healthier life.