4 Ways To Increase Your Self-Esteem

By: Denise Servin, M. Ed., LPC Intern

Self-esteem is a tricky thing. It can help you get through some tough times. But, typically tough times can cause your level of self-esteem to drop. Overall, women tend to have lower self-esteem than men. It can be especially difficult for women to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. Keeping up with all of the pressures from society to not only do everything, but to do it better is a struggle. The myth of women “having it all” often leads to feelings of competition and decreased self-esteem. 

What’s the big deal about low self-esteem?

Low self-esteem may seem like it shouldn’t be high on your list of things to worry about. But, it can lead to an overall loss of interest in the things you were once passionate about and unhappiness with life. Hence, having low self-esteem can also make it harder to get back up again after a set-back. This is especially true if these feelings last for a long time. More serious effects of low self-esteem include increased anxiety, depression, and eating disorder-related behaviors. 

I feel like my self-esteem has definitely taken some hits lately. Maybe it’s never really been as high as I would like it to be. What can I do?

Here are four ways to improve your self-esteem.

• Brag a little! Make a list of all the things that make you great. Having trouble seeing your own awesomeness? Reach out to those who know you best. Ask them to give you a few ideas to get you started. Keep your list and add to it whenever you want. Read the list to yourself every day, or just on the days you feel like you need a boost.
• Create a vision board or a mood board. Use it to remind yourself of what your goals are and how you plan to get there. It can help you get back to being excited about where you are and where you’re going. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to get back on track.  The point of making these boards is to look at things from a different angle and see what inspires you. 
• Try something new. Journaling is creative way to boost your self-esteem. If you’re new to journaling, a gratitude journal is a great place to start. Write about something or someone in your life that you are grateful for every day. If journaling is not for you, maybe there is a skill you’ve been wanting to master or a fun class you keep thinking about trying. Go out there and try it!
• Ditch the negativity.  Are you spending time around people who always bring you down or take advantage of your kindness? Protect your time and your energy by creating some clear boundaries. Finally, overhaul your social media. Do the accounts your following bring positivity to your day or do they encourage feelings of competitiveness and self-loathing? Unfollow those accounts that don’t add any positive value to your social media experience. There’s no need to add to the amount of negativity you experience on social media. 

How do I know it’s time to get help?

Are you starting to feel hopeless or helpless about the direction of your life? Do you have trouble taking credit for anything good you accomplish? Do you ever feel like every last detail has to be perfect, or there’s no point in even trying? Maybe you just don’t like yourself at all anymore and you don’t believe anyone else could like you either. Counseling can help with low self-esteem in many ways. Working with a therapist can help you get to know your true self, learn about boundaries, and increase your self-respect. 

What are the benefits of high self-esteem?

Increasing your self-esteem with the help of a therapist is not easy. It’s hard work. But, it’s worth it. The benefits of increasing your self-esteem include positive changes in the way you value yourself, an increase in seeking positive, healthy relationships, and healthier ways to cope with the challenges of life. Our therapists at the Counseling Center can help you on this journey.  Please contact our office to discuss your therapy needs or arrange an initial consultation with Denise.

Other Services Offered at Cinco Ranch Counseling

The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch in Katy, TX, offers counseling services to help you increase your self-esteem. We also offer other counseling services including: trauma counseling, depression treatment, eating disorder treatment, counseling for anxiety, family counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for teens, counseling for young adults, and couples counseling. Our therapists regularly post helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Stay tuned for the next blog! To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Center today!