To boost self-esteem, there are plenty of simple activities you can weave into your daily routine. These practices focus on building confidence, self-awareness, and a more positive mindset. Here are some tried-and-true methods:
Positive Affirmations
Instead of just saying affirmations, try writing them down where you’ll see them often—like your mirror or phone background. For example, remind yourself daily, “I am learning and growing” or “I deserve happiness.” It might feel silly at first, but over time, it can change how you speak to yourself. A friend of mine used to call herself “stupid” every time she made a mistake. After months of using affirmations, she started catching those thoughts and replacing them with, “I’m allowed to make mistakes—I’m human.”
Journaling
Write without worrying about structure or grammar. Let your feelings flow onto the page. Then, take a moment to reflect: are your thoughts overly critical? One woman I know used journaling to track her self-doubt. She was shocked to see how harsh she was on herself and started actively rewriting those negative thoughts with facts about her strengths.
Gratitude Practice
Go beyond just listing things you’re thankful for—write why they matter. Instead of “I’m grateful for my job,” you might say, “I’m grateful for my job because it allows me to pay rent and grow professionally.” This deeper connection can help you feel more grounded.
Power Poses
This might seem odd, but changing your posture can impact your mood. The next time you’re feeling small, stand tall, take up space, and breathe deeply. A friend once told me how she used to hunch over during meetings, but after trying power poses, she felt more confident speaking up.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness isn’t just about sitting in silence—it’s about being fully present. While washing dishes, notice the warmth of the water or the sound of the bubbles. It pulls you out of negative spirals and keeps you grounded.
Set Realistic Goals
Don’t set yourself up for failure by aiming too high too quickly. For instance, if your goal is to exercise daily, start with 10 minutes a day instead of an hour. Celebrate small wins because they build momentum. I remember hearing about someone who set a goal to write a book in one year but ended up overwhelmed and quitting. When they shifted to writing one paragraph a day, they not only met their goal but enjoyed the process.
Creative Expression
Channeling your emotions into art, music, or even baking can help you process feelings you can’t put into words. One man I knew painted as a way to handle his self-doubt. Though his work wasn’t “gallery-worthy,” the act of creating helped him build pride in something he made.
Move Your Body
This doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym. Dance in your room, take a walk in nature, or join a yoga class. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s releasing tension and boosting your mood. .
Help Someone Else
One teenager I met shared how she felt invisible at school until she started tutoring younger kids. Their appreciation made her realize she wasn’t as “useless” as she thought. Volunteering at a shelter or simply helping a friend can shift your focus from what’s wrong with your life to how much you can offer.
Practice Self-Kindness
You spill coffee on yourself during a meeting. Instead of spiraling into “I’m such a mess,” try, “Everyone makes mistakes—it’s not a big deal.” This might sound small, but self-compassion can be life-changing.
A Tough Truth
Ignoring these steps can make things worse. As I always say building self-esteem is a journey, not an overnight fix. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Don’t wait until things hit rock bottom—start taking steps now. You’re worth it.
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