Self-esteem is an essential aspect of our mental and emotional well-being. It is the foundation of our self-worth and how we feel about ourselves.

A lack of self-esteem can take a toll on our mental health, relationships, and even our productivity at work. Building self-esteem can be a challenge, but it is a rewarding journey worth taking. Here are ten ways to build your self-esteem:.

1. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is taking care of your well-being, including your physical and mental health. When you prioritize self-care, you not only feel more confident and positive, but you also show yourself that you value yourself.

Examples of self-care activities include exercise, healthy eating, meditation, and taking a relaxing bath. The key to self-care is to find activities that make you feel good about yourself.

2. Focus on Your Strengths

It is effortless to focus on our flaws and areas we need to improve. However, doing that only lowers self-esteem. Instead, focus on your strengths and what you like about yourself. Make a list of your qualities, achievements, and accomplishments.

Refer to it often when you need a boost of confidence.

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Negative self-talk can damage our self-esteem. When we have negative thoughts, we tend to believe them, and they become a self-fulfilling prophecy. To break this pattern, challenge negative thoughts when they arise. Don’t accept them as facts.

Instead, ask yourself questions like, “Is this thought true?” “What evidence do I have to support this thought?” “What is a more realistic view?”.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Setting goals and achieving them is one of the best ways to boost self-esteem. However, setting unrealistic goals can be a recipe for disappointment. When we fail to achieve unrealistic goals, we only end up feeling worse about ourselves.

Instead, set realistic goals that challenge but are achievable with effort. Celebrate small achievements along the way.

5. Learn to Say No

Saying yes to everything can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. When you say no, you set boundaries and show yourself respect. It is okay to decline requests that don’t align with your values or goals.

Learning to say no takes practice, but it is a valuable skill to have.

6. Express Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool in building self-esteem. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, we feel more positive about ourselves and our lives. Take a few minutes each day to express gratitude.

Write down things you’re thankful for or reflect on them in your mind. When you’re feeling low, refer to your gratitude list to remind yourself of the good things in your life.

7. Surround Yourself with Positive People

The people we surround ourselves with influence our self-esteem. Negative people can bring us down, while positive people lift us up. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Limit your time with those who drain your energy.

8. Pursue Your Passion

Doing something you’re passionate about is an excellent way to boost your self-esteem. When you pursue your passion, you not only feel good about yourself, but you also hone your skills and talents.

Don’t worry about being perfect or making mistakes. Focus on the joy of doing something you love.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

We’re often our harshest critic, which can lower self-esteem. Practicing self-compassion means treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and empathy.

When we make mistakes or fall short, instead of berating ourselves, we offer ourselves kindness and support, just as we would to a friend.

10. Seek Professional Help

If low self-esteem is affecting your mental health or daily life, seeking professional help can be beneficial. A therapist or counselor can help you identify negative patterns of thinking and teach you strategies to build self-esteem.