11 Ways to Feel Better about Yourself ...

1. Stop the Negativity

One of the most important and effective ways to feel better about yourself is to stop all the negative talk. Sometimes we get some comments or reactions from people that aren’t very constructive and we tend to dwell on it or even make it something bigger than it is. Whether the comment was meant to be helpful or mean, it’s our choice how we react to it. Don’t fall into the trap of endless negative self-talk and beating yourself up. It won’t get you anywhere and if you keep it up, you’ll eventually start to believe all that BS!

2. Turn It around

In my culture, people are very blunt with one another. Growing up, I was constantly compared to other kids and I ended up feeling as if I were never good enough. Although it was hard not getting much encouragement or positive feedback, I turned it around so I could see the positives in it. I knew my family members weren’t trying to purposely be mean to me and that they were being honest and meant well. So, instead of focusing on the negative aspects, I used my energy to think about what I can do to improve the situation. It’s not easy, but the more you practice, the easier it gets.

3. Make Goals

Making goals is one of the methods I used to feel better about myself. Since I was focusing my energy on setting and implementing goals, I didn’t really have time to think about putting myself down or dwelling on the negative. Regardless of why you’re feeling low, you can set short and long-term goals for yourself in order to help you through it. Let’s say you got passed over for a promotion. You can talk to your supervisor for some feedback on your current performance and start working towards the areas that need improvement. You might not meet your goal immediately but you’re working towards it, which is much more productive and positive than feeling bad and doing nothing.

4. Stop Comparing

Although I was often compared to others, I knew it wasn’t going to get me anywhere and that it had to stop. Instead of concentrating on what you don’t have, think about what you do have. Take time to think about and list all of your qualities, skills and talents. All of those things are unique to you and should be recognized! If you feel as though you have some areas in your life that you’d like to change or improve, do so, but only for yourself.

5. Do Something Nice

In my experience, a foolproof way to feel good about yourself is to do something nice for someone else. If I’m having a bad day, I can really get lost in negative thoughts and waste time feeling sad or sorry for myself. Whenever I start to feel that way, I think of nice things I can do to make someone else happy to shift my focus. Whether you’re paying a stranger a compliment or helping a family member with a chore, making others happy is sure to help you feel better.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our lives that we forget to take care of ourselves. Sure, we feed, bathe and clothe ourselves, but that’s the basic stuff. The next time you’re feeling down in the dumps, take some time to do something nice for yourself. Treat yourself to a book you’ve been wanting to read, go to a museum or play with your pet. Do something that will stimulate you and help clear your mind.

7. Respect Your Body

In addition to taking care of yourself, respecting your body is another way to feel good about yourself. Consistently eating well and exercising will not only help you feel better about the way you look, but you’ll also feel better from the inside out. We might not like our body shape or have some features we’d like to change, but those things are what make you special and beautiful, so treat yourself well!

8. Live in the Present

We can all daydream about living a certain lifestyle or wishing for something, but that’s not really living in the present. There are lots of great things happening right now and if we don’t cherish and enjoy it, we’re totally missing out! Sure, having more money or free time would be cool, but there are plenty of good things occurring in the present to be happy about, also!

9. Just Walk Away

We might be perfectly content with our lives, but if you have friends or acquaintances who suck the joy out of your life, it might be time to walk away. Of course we want to try and help them see the sunny side of things, but some folks take joy in seeing others struggle along with them. If you have someone in your life who is doing more harm than good, don’t allow yourself to get sucked into their web of negativity, walk away or at least distance yourself.

10. Relax

Relaxing our bodies is a wonderful thing, but relaxing our minds and hearts is even better. If you tend to take a lot of things personally, try not to let critical comments ruffle your feathers so much. Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done, but taking every comment so personally is exhausting! There will always be someone with something negative to say, but it’s up to you whether you take it personally and fume about it or use it to drive you to do better.

11. Get Inspired

When was the last time you felt inspired? I get into a routine and rarely stray from it, which leaves me without much time or opportunity to see, hear, smell or feel anything new and exciting. Getting inspired to do something is sure to help you feel better about yourself. Pick up a book, check out a DIY video on YouTube or just create something on your own. If you don’t consider yourself the DIY type, watch or listen to something inspiring to help lift your spirits and put a smile on your face!

There are plenty of ways to feel better about yourself and this is just the tip of the iceberg! Life can get tough, but don’t forget that there are plenty of good people, places and things that we should be happy about. While we can’t be all smiles and rainbows all the time, but we can choose to be happy and focus our minds and energy on the things we have control over. What are some things you do to feel better about yourself? Inquiring minds want to know!