Realizing Your Worth During International Boost Self-Esteem Month

Self-esteem can be a foundation for people's perception of themselves, often significantly impacting daily functioning and well-being. Strong self-esteem can lead to improved decision-making, healthier relationships, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Contrarily, individuals who lack confidence in their worth might miss opportunities and be reluctant to pursue personal goals. 

International Boost Self-Esteem Month occurs in February to recognize the value of self-esteem. This month, communities worldwide participate in programs and activities that encourage self-appreciation. The goal is to offer resources, such as educational materials, workshops, and therapy options, to guide individuals on their journey toward valuing themselves. This movement aims to show that self-esteem development is possible and that various tools and resources are available to help individuals along the way. 

The importance of self-esteem

Self-esteem can be a crucial part of mental health and overall well-being. It affects how individuals perceive themselves and their ability to tackle life’s challenges. Having high self-esteem can contribute to a more positive outlook on life and being able to bounce back from stress and adversity. In contrast, low self-esteem could make a person more susceptible to mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and indirectly affect physical health. 

Signs of low self-esteem

Signs of low self-esteem can include but are not limited to the following: 

• Doubting your abilities or decisions
• Being sensitive to criticism
• Struggling to assert needs or opinions
• Avoiding new experiences due to fear of failure
• Believing you are undeserving of happiness

Self-esteem can shape a person's interactions and relationships, affecting their communication and connection. Those with higher self-esteem often have a stronger sense of personal value and are often more confident in contributing positively to relationships and workplaces.

Mental health professionals recognize that improving self-esteem is vital to mental well-being. Programs and strategies to boost self-esteem may prevent mental health challenges and improve overall life satisfaction. International Boost Self-Esteem Month highlights how learning to appreciate oneself can have far-reaching benefits for individuals and communities.

How to develop self-esteem

Developing self-esteem can be an ongoing process that involves a combination of self-reflection and outward actions. 

Recognizing patterns 

One way to develop self-esteem is to identify and challenge negative thoughts by recognizing patterns of self-criticism and countering them with evidence of accomplishments or strengths. Cultivating a positive outlook may help improve self-esteem by shifting the focus from a perceived lack of value to the actual worth the individual has.

Setting realistic goals 

Setting realistic goals and celebrating victories along the way may also boost self-esteem. Acknowledging and accepting compliments graciously can reinforce a sense of self-worth. Participating in activities that one enjoys or excels at can also contribute to a sense of high esteem.

Maintaining healthy relationships 

Self-care practices for self-esteem

In recognition of International Boost Self-Esteem Month, you can focus on self-care practices to improve self-esteem. These practices may help individuals develop a positive self-view and better mental health.

Daily gratitude journaling

Daily gratitude journaling may help you reflect on aspects of your life that you appreciate, which could shift the focus from negative thoughts to more affirmative ones. Writing down what you’re grateful for daily may gradually alter your perception of your life, offering a more optimistic outlook. 

Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can calm the mind and reduce stress by allowing you to focus on the present moment. With these practices, you may reduce negative self-talk and anxiety, potentially boosting your self-esteem and overall well-being.

Setting achievable goals

Setting clear, achievable goals can provide a structured approach to personal growth. As you meet these goals, you may experience a sense of accomplishment, which can increase your self-esteem and motivation to pursue further progress.

Eating healthy and exercising

Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen can significantly contribute to well-being. Eating healthy and exercising can improve mood, energy levels, and body image, which may affect self-esteem and physical health.

Pursuing a hobby or new skill

Developing a hobby or learning a new skill offers an avenue for personal fulfillment. Although the learning process can be challenging, improvements over time can be a source of self-pride, which may promote self-esteem and personal growth.

Personal hygiene and grooming

Personal hygiene and grooming are vital practices that influence how you perceive yourself. Consistent care in these areas may help people perceive themselves as more presentable and confident in their appearance, improving their self-esteem. In February, incorporating these self-care practices may support your efforts to improve self-esteem.

Supporting others with low self-esteem

International Boost Self Esteem Month raises awareness about the effects of self-esteem on a person’s overall well-being. When someone close to you struggles with low self-esteem, your support can make a difference.

Being empathetic and understanding can be crucial in these situations. A person might feel seen and heard when you take the time to listen without passing judgment. Offering a compassionate ear and avoiding dismissive comments can significantly affect their emotional state. Be sincere with your compliments rather than ingenuine. 

Below are practical ways to uplift others:

• Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
• Encourage them to set realistic expectations for themselves.
• Offer constructive feedback that focuses on efforts, not just outcomes.
• Give compliments focused on their personality, interests, and self instead of only on appearance or aspects they can’t change. 

Positive reinforcement can be a powerful way to help someone improve their self-esteem. Acknowledge their hard work and growth and remind them that overcoming obstacles can be part of learning and growing. You can help them build confidence by encouraging them to persist, even when life is tough.

In this situation, try not to look at fixing self-esteem quickly but consistently offer support that helps those you care about stick to a path of self-improvement. Acts of kindness may lay the groundwork for them to recognize their worth during a month dedicated to boosting self-esteem.

Benefits of therapy for building self-esteem

Therapy may also be a helpful way to build self-esteem. Through a guided process, therapy sessions can help people reflect on how they perceive themselves and the world around them, as self-esteem challenges can be an enormously complicated topic. There are various benefits to therapy for building self-esteem, including but not limited to the following: 

• Improved self-awareness: Therapy may help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. They may learn to identify negative self-talk and cognitive distortions contributing to low self-esteem.
• Learned social skills: Developing greater self-esteem can improve interpersonal relationships. Therapists can give individuals the tools to be more assertive and socially proactive.
• Emotional regulation: Therapy may provide clients with strategies to manage emotions effectively, which may reduce overwhelming emotions and increase emotional resilience.

Support options 

If you’re considering therapy but face barriers to attending in your area, you might benefit from online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. 

Studies show that online therapy may be an effective method for building self-esteem. In addition to being effective, online therapy offers several advantages, including accessibility. It allows individuals to receive help from any location, a feature that may be useful for those with mobility challenges or those who live in remote areas. This therapy method ensures that more people can receive the support they need, regardless of location. 

Another benefit is the convenience online therapy affords. Online therapy can easily be incorporated into different lifestyles and schedules, reducing the time and effort required to commute to a traditional therapy office. Therapy sessions online have shown promise, especially in how they bridge the gap for people who might not otherwise participate in traditional face-to-face therapy.