10 Easy Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem

1. Get moving. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, running, swimming or hitting the gym, working out can get those feel-good endorphins firing. As a result, you’ll likely feel better about yourself.

2. Spend time with supportive people. While avoiding toxic individuals is critical for maintaining good mental and emotional health, so is getting together with those who affirm you.

3. Eat good mood foods. While sugary foods and other simple carbs can cause your mood to crash, eating nutrient-dense foods can help you feel better emotionally and physically. Flaxseed, lentils, cashews, chickpeas, salmon, oatmeal and dark chocolate are good ones to add to your diet.

4. Avoid shifting blame. While it’s easy for any of us to want to blame others if something goes wrong, the better approach is being accountable to yourself. When you do that, you’ll feel more empowered.

5. Remember your strengths. Whether you play the piano by ear, knit beautiful scarves, or are fluent in multiple languages, it’s good to recognise your various accomplishments.

6. Avoid playing the comparison game. Comparing yourselves to others is a losing proposition and will likely make you feel worse about yourself. Instead, focus on being the best version of yourself.

7. Enlist support. If, for example, you’re trying to lose weight, joining a support group will help you stay accountable and on track to achieve your goals.

8. Pursue a passion. Want to get your private pilot’s license? Play another instrument? Volunteer at an orphanage? Whatever your passion, taking small steps can give you a sense of purpose.

9. Affirm yourself. Write in the journal or say aloud the qualities you like about yourself. For example, “I am a kind person” or “I do my job well.”

10. Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Consider keeping a journal and writing down several things a day that you are grateful for.