7 Simple Ways To Raise Your Self Esteem

By Michele Connolly

For most of us, feeling good about ourselves helps us to do more, be more and give more to others.

The following 7 simple strategies can help you to feel better about yourself – and that can help make you more productive, motivated and effective.

So why not pick at least one strategy that you can use today…

1. Dress your Best

Sure your appearance can affect how others perceive you, but what about the way you perceive yourself?

You needn’t dress up, but do dress well. Each morning, choose clothes that look and feel good and that help to bring out the best you, not the you that wants to lounge around in sweat pants all day.

2. Watch your Posture

It’s difficult to feel good with hunched shoulders, a hanging head and a lazy stride.

In contrast, a good posture lets the air into your lungs and the confidence into your life.
Remember to:

• Stand tall
• Sit up straight
• Wall briskly
• Smile!

3. Tell the Truth

Whatever your moral perspective, avoiding fibs helps you to avoid feeling guilty and acting shifty – both barriers to a healthy self respect.

Instead, aim for honesty and enjoy the emotional perks.

4. Look People in the Eye

There’s a lovely feeling you get when you make a genuine connection and look someone in the eye. That sense of shared humanity is real self-esteem booster.

But, um, if people look scared, you may need to dial it down a smidge.

5. Be Brave about Saying No

If you don’t like it, don’t want to do it or don’t want to be there, find a kind way to say so. Wussy avoidance tactics can leave you feeling – well, wussy.

Choose to feel better and say a gentle no. You’ll both like you better.

6. Keep your Breath Minty Fresh

It’s staggeringly difficult to thrust yourself forth into the world with self-respect and high esteem if flowers wilt at the opening of your mouth.

Good hygiene and breath mints help you feel good about speaking up without fear of people passing out.

7. Use Your Time Doing Something that Matters To You

Do meaningful work.

Or, if you find your work trivial, volunteer, begin a project, start a movement.

But have something that matters somewhere in your life. It’s difficult to enjoy high self esteem without it.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bagels / CC BY 2.0