Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that it is our overall sense of self-worth and value. Having high self-esteem can lead to better physical and mental health, stronger relationships, and greater success in life.
Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm says, many women struggle with their self-esteem. This is due to many different factors, including negative body image, unrealistic societal expectations, and discrimination or abuse.
If you are a woman struggling with low self-esteem, Marla Ahlgrimm offers the following tips and advice to boost your self-worth:
- Challenge negative thoughts. One of the greatest obstacles to high self-esteem is negative self-talk. Marla Ahlgrimm says that this is when we put ourselves down. Self-shaming makes it difficult to feel good about who you are. If you have a negative thought about yourself, challenge it. Ask yourself if it’s really true and if there’s another way to look at the situation.
- Focus on your strengths. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. When you focus on the latter, the former is much harder to see. Focus on the things you’re good at. Ask yourself what you enjoy doing and remember how you feel when you complete a job well done.
- Set realistic goals. There are few better feelings than accomplishing a goal, says Marla Ahlgrimm. To boost your self-esteem, begin by setting realistic goals for yourself. If you need to lose weight, for example, set the goal of 10 pounds versus 100. While you might eventually make 100 pounds, 10 pounds at a time is more realistic and a goal you’re more likely to stick with and attain.
- Take care of yourself. You have to take care of yourselves mentally and physically each day. Doing so helps you put value on yourself. Marla Ahlgrimm says that you can take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in regular exercise.
- Spend time with positive influences. Not every person that you care for is your friend, and not every friend is a positive influence. Look for those that are. When you surround yourself with people who are kind, caring, and compassionate, you’ll feel good about your social choices. Having these types of people around also help remind you that you matter and that you can make a difference in the world.
- Give back to others. Marla Ahlgrimm says that there are few things in life that make you feel better about yourself than giving back. Volunteer for your local food bank, lend a hand to a neighbor, or do something for someone in need. Helping others can remind you that you’re a good person while helping you be more thankful for the things you have.
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Practice self-compassion. Self-compassion is simply the practice of being kind and understanding to yourself, just as you are with your friends and family members. When you make mistakes, forgive yourself. Have a negative self thought? Remind yourself that those are just misgivings that aren’t focused in reality.
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