Validation is part of living a full life because human beings thrive on positive affirmations. A simple compliment can do more than boost your mood and give you clarity of thought. However, some people may find it difficult to feel good about themselves in the first place. Negative self-talk only leads to low self-esteem, and things will only worsen.
- That is why in achieving a more holistic form of self-care,
- We must look for the things that affirm our values, interests, and, more importantly, our unique identities.
- The sooner we do that, the better our outlook on life,
- and the less we will focus on the negative situations that try to lower our morale and enthusiasm towards life.
- It all begins with looking at a few important tips to help you feel good about yourself:
1. Change your perspective
Some things in life try to prevent us from looking at the best of what it has to offer. From minor inconveniences to major disputes, these will only try to distract us from looking at the bigger picture. The best way to deal with them is to ignore them simply. Never let problems get in the way as you build a more positive perspective towards life. Instead of entertaining these problems and focusing too much on the long-term effects, practice mindfulness and pivot your perspective.
You can do this by looking at the good from the situation. If you missed a bus, think about all the sights you see when you travel on foot. When you’re thinking of eating your favorite meal at an expensive restaurant and realizing that you left your wallet at home, be thankful that at least you can save money and commit to your diet today. By changing your perspective this way, you will have fewer things to worry about and more to appreciate.
2. Foster a healthy social circle
Not many know this, but the company you keep affects your mood and overall well-being. Consider the people you’re closest with and the activities you do with them. You know you’re in a bad circle when you don’t feel valued and you’re adopting bad habits out of peer pressure. A healthy social circle should encourage you and help you tap into your potential. It does not see you as an object but as an ally.
You know you have bad friends when they aren’t interested in listening to your problems or providing timely advice on what you’re going through. What’s more, such relationships turn toxic when you become subservient to them, almost as though they’re your only source of validation. If this causes you to lose a glimmer of self-respect, then you might as well keep your distance and choose friends who will support you.
3. Help others in need
Altruistic acts are not usually done for self-gratification but they do have a positive effect on you, physically and emotionally. When we commit an act of kindness, our bodies produce “feel-good” hormones known as endorphins. As a result, our mood improves as does our self-esteem. More than that, this uptick in endorphins decreases stress and pain, reducing our risk of heart disease, stroke, and even depression.
When given the opportunity, use your skills to help others. You can volunteer for community-building programs or sign up for mentorship programs at your local church or non-profit. This helps you connect with people who may need emotional support. Donating used items and working at a community kitchen are also great ways to practice kindness. You may or may not get paid for your services, but any form of compensation won’t match the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in other people’s lives.
4. Learn to distance yourself
Remember that helping others doesn’t always mean sacrificing your time and effort. Any act of kindness should be spontaneous in that you’re driven by a strong desire to help. If another person asks you for a favor, it’s another story that will only inconvenience you. As much as you want to say “yes” to any request, it shouldn’t come at the expense of your inner peace. Learning to say “no” helps you attain that.
You risk becoming a pushover when you let people have their way with you. Learn to analyze every request and let others know that you value your boundaries. Be firm in your refusal and try to determine from the outset if they’re attempting to manipulate you. Doing so is not being selfish. Learning how to set up boundaries can change your perspective for the better, giving you greater control of almost every aspect of your life, from your career to your finances and even romance.
5. Invest in your physical well-being
The physical activities you undertake make a big difference in elevating your mood and boosting your self-confidence, and they can do more than improve your endurance and your resistance against diseases and conditions. By investing in physical wellness, you also achieve a sense of self-gratification. That’s because every workout plan is a challenge that’s meant to be overcome. You will feel good about yourself when you finish a set of push-ups or run your fourth lap around a track oval.
Never leave out physical exercise from the equation. Commit to a workout plan that aligns with your fitness goals. Pair it up with a weight management program with the help of a service like Capra Body Weight Training and a diet plan relevant to your needs. Your workout plan should also include complementary activities such as yoga, high-impact sports such as football and basketball, as well as hiking adventures out of town. Accomplishing every milestone will add to your joy.
6. Take part in creative endeavors
Part of feeling good about yourself is the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a creative project. You may be good at a certain hobby that gives you the purest form of joy, be it bullet journaling or gardening. Whatever engages your creative side will help you develop a deeper appreciation of who you are as a person. Having a unique skill helps us realize how special we are, so you must find time to nurture and develop your abilities.
Try to reconnect with a childhood hobby. You may have gotten rusty, but you can reclaim your enthusiasm when you commit even a small amount of time to it each day. Also, don’t just settle for hobbies you already know. Aim to hone skills you failed to acquire before. From playing a musical instrument to drawing portraits of famous people, any skill can be taught so long as you’re eager to invest in it. In the long run, you will feel good knowing that you’ve developed a valuable talent.
Endnote
Life is better when you feel good about yourself. Doing so might be difficult for some but the tips above show you how easy it is to value yourself and overcome your personal weaknesses.