4 Easy ways to boost self-esteem

by Ali Pinch on Monday 11 November 2019

5 min read

Self-love is a beautiful thing, but getting to a point where we can feel confident in the way we look and feel can be a journey.

Weight, age, facial hair, thighs, legs, height, chubby cheeks – we all have things we’re self-conscious about. Even though these are all part of being human, we can sometimes let our body issues weigh down our confidence and lower our self-esteem. Invite some self-love into your life with these top tips to help boost your self-confidence.

Positive affirmations

Starting your morning with a little self-love can have a hugely positive impact on your day. Rather than looking in the mirror in the morning and focusing on the negatives, harness the positive with affirmations. By repeating them often, you can help overcome self-sabotaging thoughts and start to make positive changes in the way you feel about yourself.

When you look in the mirror in the morning, start with a smile, look yourself in the eye and repeat some positive affirmations, such as:

I am beautiful
  • “I am strong”
  • “I am grateful for today”
  • “I am fearless”
  • “I am amazing”

Pursue a hobby and join a community

Whether it’s pottery, photography, sewing or running, finding a hobby and becoming part of a community can increase feelings of acceptance and self-belonging. Try joining different gym classes or looking online for groups that align with your interests.

Can’t think of a hobby? Shop around for one! There are plenty of community groups, social clubs and activities to get you going. Websites like Meetup.com can be a great way to find new people and explore new passions.

Learn how to meditate

Practicing just 15 minutes of meditation per day has the power to completely rewire and transform the brain, and can help make you a more joyful person. When you meditate, this shrinks the portion of your brain called the amygdala, which controls fearfulness and anxiety. By getting a hold of this part of the brain, this can help you to become a happier person as a whole.

Don’t know where to start? Meditation apps like Headspace offer guided meditations that are easy to follow.

Hit the gym

Hitting the gym can be a great way to feel good about yourself, as well as increase your mental wellbeing.

On the physical side, strengthening exercises and cardiovascular activities have been shown to have an immediate impact on your happiness. For older people, low-impact exercises like swimming and Yoga can have the same impact. Struggle to find motivation? Group classes like Grid Training (HIIT) or Cycle can be a great way to find that fitspo around you.

Establishing a regular exercise routine can help you form positive body images about yourself.

Not only does the gym make you feel physically capable, but it’s scientifically proven to make you feel happier. When you exercise, the feel-good chemical of dopamine is released to the brain, giving you a ‘natural high’ every time you hit the gym.

Unsure how to establish an exercise routine that’s right for you? Enlisting a personal trainer can give you the confidence you need. Speak to one of our Personal Trainers about how they can help you get on the path to self-love, both physically and mentally.

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