improving your self esteem

Be nonjudgmental as you identify your Inner Critic and make a commitment to yourself that you will change the ways you think about yourself as this is an important key to enhancing your self-esteem.

Replace your Inner Critic with an Inner Supporter As you learn to identify your Inner Critic, experiment with ways to block and silence it.

At the end of each day write down the things you feel pleased about that you have done ). Acknowledge the positives in yourself and give an example : (I'm caring – I listened to a friend who was feeling sad) and the things you appreciated about the day (the warmth of the sun, delicious food, interesting lectures).

For example, if your friend was feeling down you would not tell them that they are stupid, nor would you lock them away or prevent them from doing things that would help them feel better.

Saying ‘It's OK to feel sad/angry/ fearful’ and accepting their feelings can help them feel much better.

Think about your long-term goals (write yourself a letter from the future saying what you have achieved), medium-term goals (what do I want to achieve for myself over the next semester/month or even the next week), and short-term goals.

When thinking about a short-term goal, ask yourself: ‘What do I want to do TODAY that will lead me to feel good about myself and in control of my life?’ or ‘What do I want to achieve in this study session?’ Writing down your goals is a great motivator and guide to achieve what is important to you.

Do relaxing activities. Try the following:

Take a long warm bath; play your favorite music; watch a funny film; spend time with a friend; look at, feel, and smell a flower; try a new food; learn about another culture; stand on fresh grass in bare feet; stand in the rain and laugh; sit in the sunshine with a cup of tea; hold a stone in your hand and feel the surface.

Rather than dwelling on the negatives, think about things, events, people, and conversations in the past, present, and the future that remind you of your strengths, your worth as a person, and the things you enjoy.

Yours Truly,

Dear Youth Global