5 Exercises for Self-Esteem Building
You figured out that you need to improve your self-esteem. Now what? Simple exercises you can tackle on your own or ones that help you work through it with a therapist. In this article, a licensed therapist will give you some exercises will start you on your self-esteem journey.
Self- Esteem Building
Self-esteem building happens in and outside the therapy room or zoom (lol). We build higher self-esteem through the experiences we gain. This experience can be real life as we go lessons, lessons on the therapy couch, or throughout homework in between the sessions.
Here are some exercises to help you build that self-esteem to slay your inner critic:
Story of You
The story of you is powerful. Unique to only you.
It’s one of the greatest weapons against your inner critic when you tell your story in narrative form with you as the hero!
You quiet that critic because you are the hero! They just wanted to keep that secret from you.
Post-It Affirmations
When we are getting bombarded by negative thoughts from our inner critic, it is often hard to think positive things, especially early in recovery.
Your favorite phrases, mantras, and affirmations combat your negative thoughts. You can write them down or record yourself reading them. You can sticky them in areas you need to see them if you put them on post-its
Bee Daring
We get stuck in comfort. Our inner critic thrives in the comfort, often telling us this is as good as it gets.
Wrong!
There is so much out there. Bee Daring! Try something that terrifies you. Or pick up a new hobby. Try a new dish. Put yourself out there in several ways!
YOLO!
Volunteer
It is rewarding when we give back. It helps us to know we are not alone and gives us gratitude.
Sometimes the way we heal and slay that critic is by helping someone else by sharing our story or giving back to those early in their recovery.
Nature can be healing as well. When you take care of the earth, she has a way of taking care of your soul, quieting the critic inside.
Journaling
I mean, are you surprised that this is on here? Journaling is one of our greatest weapons as your sidekick warrior in therapy. Thought journals help you and your therapist to look at the themes the inner critic brings up.
Gratitude, like volunteering, gives you the ability to develop empathy and know where you have grown. Gratitude journals can be daily or weekly. Whatever feels right to you!
Be sure to write about moments that bring you joy so you can reflect when the times get hard, or that pesky inner critic just won’t shush. Negative is often out remembered from positive experience, so the historical record is a good refresher!
Where to Find Help
I am now accepting new clients in Oklahoma. Click here to schedule a free consultation today.
Subscribe to the blog for more self-esteem, disordered eating, and addiction content.
Disclaimer: This is in no way a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or substance abuse/mental health services. This is for educational purposes only and should be in used only in conjunction in working with a licensed mental health professional. Reading this blog or responding to it does not constitute a provider-patient relationship. If you are looking for a local mental health professional feel free to use the contact tab to request an appointment or search Mental Health Match, Therapy Den, or Psychology Today for local therapists in your area. If this is a mental health or substance abuse emergency and you need immediate assistance, please call 911, call 988, go to your local ER, visit your local detox center, or call 211 if you are in Oklahoma.