Self-Care Can Boost your Self Esteem and Confidence

It’s especially important during those times to initiate self-care techniques. Not only begin, but create habits of self-care to replenish the mind, body and spirit.  Of course, self care helps us through the stressful times, but it also helps create life-long self-esteem. One important benefit of self-care is the boost of confidence and self-esteem we feel when we care for ourselves no matter what part of the journey we are at – we meet ourselves right there.

Want Proof? Here you go. Next time something goes wrong, make a list – that’s right – make a list. What’s on the list? It’s a list of everything and every time you have done something right.  More importantly, it’s even a list of when things went upside down and you managed to somehow land on your feet with power and grace.

Put a timer on for 15 minutes and make a list of everything you have done which worked out well and every decision you made which brought you joy. Include times when life wasn’t all rosy and you still managed anyhow.

• Moving to that new town
• Taking that art class
• Your wonderful kids
• The presentation at work which did go well
• Speaking in front of people for the first time
• Passing that really hard class in college
• Failing that test and changing your degree (which, in turn, changed your life for the better)

While many people think of self-care as a sweet-smelling bubble bath, self-talk, and self-esteem are a big component of self-care. Self-esteem doesn’t only come from those achievements – make no mistake about it. Self-esteem comes from seeing how many times you have made mistakes and yet you are still standing. Allowing yourself the compassion to be fully human is the best way to increase your self-esteem.

You are not alone. Every human being makes mistakes – it’s called life. Self-compassion is the first step toward self-care.

What is Self-Care?

Anything you do specifically for yourself to nurture and care for yourself is self-care. Self-care isn’t only for when times are tough. You can make self-care a habit, just like brushing your teeth – only better. Self-care creates a statement – I am worthy of love, self-love and love from others. I deserve nurturing and caring. It is empowering. Taking the reins of self-care shows others how you treat yourself and how you expect to be treated.

Self-care shows your children that self-care is not simply an indulgent moment or two, but a way of life – especially if you have daughters. Very often, women in the role of nurturer and caregiver, forget to tend to themselves. We are so ingrained in caring for and putting others first, we forget to include ourselves in the mix. Don’t be that role model for your daughters. When we see other women pamper and indulge themselves, what stories do we create in our minds? She’s selfish, she’s conceited, she’s spoiled? 

Take on being vulnerable for just a moment and check in with yourself. Ask yourself what pictures do I conjure up when I see a woman taking impeccable care of herself?

It’s the “me” time we tend to overlook because we think it’s selfish, self-indulgent or we simply don’t have the time. But we do have the time. Self-care doesn’t have to be hour-long stints at a time. A 10-minute meditation session first thing in the morning might set your day on the right path.

Mindfully eating or having a coffee break with a good friend are also self-care activities. Don’t make the mistake of denying yourself some much deserved “me” time.

The Full Circle Effect of Self-Care

Imagine if doing something for yourself actually improved your self-esteem and confidence. This is exactly what happens when you are mindful with self-care activities. Yes, self-care restores and replenishes your energy levels and brings a sense of balance in an otherwise hectic world, but the benefits are so much more. You create a ripple effect for yourself and others. You radiate peace and contentment, self-confidence, and self-esteem. You model for other women that they, too, can take a stand for their own self-care. Gone are the days when women had to look and feel drained and depleted “in order to” prove how “good” they were. 

After, and even during, an act of self-care, you should feel less stressed and more refreshed. Those who are less stressed are more productive. A more productive life leads to more time to give and more time to receive. 

When our esteem is balanced, we are able to give more, produce more, and enjoy more. And when we are functioning at full capacity, we feel more confident and it shows. Many women struggle with the belief self-esteem and self-confidence are selfish. Not true, at all. Self confidence is the knowing you can and will do the things you feel called to – even if it means stumbling along the way. You know you are capable of picking up the pieces with power and grace (as women are wired with this beautiful trait), but you also know you deserve nothing but the best. 

When you read the phrase, “nothing but the best” what do you make it mean? Furs and diamonds or self-respect and respect from others? Nothing but the best could mean the same thoughtfulness and courtesy you give out all. day. long.

The key is to think about it. To be aware of how the cycle comes full circle and how we are listening to the needs of our minds and bodies. Nobody should have agency over our own self-esteem. 

Confidence and Self-Esteem Boosting Self-Care Ideas

Below are some ideas to help jumpstart your new regimen of self-care. Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and everybody is unique. Choose things that will lighten your spirit, make you smile on the inside, and bring joy and contentment.

Be Young Again

Remember preschool? Get in touch with your inner child and partake in some kiddie activities. Finger-paint, play hopscotch, or go to a park and enjoy the swings and slides. Eat a scoop of ice cream with whipped topping and sprinkles.

Play hide and seek with the kiddos. Act silly no matter who is watching. Whatever suits your fancy, but be a kid again, if even for just a few moments.

Dance your heart out.

Community Service

Giving back to the community stirs up all sorts of feel-goods. Those dress clothes just hanging in the closet that never get worn? Hand those off to a service that provides clothes for folks just entering the work force. Spend some time in a nursing home engaging with the residents.

Offer to work in a soup kitchen or food pantry. The confidence we get from giving back is incredible. It’s impossible not to reap rewards from community service.

Change Up Your Appearance

We are our own worst critics much of the time. If you are tired of the same-old same-old, change something up. Do something different with your hairstyle or try a new color. Up-dress for the day and feel the boost of confidence oozing from your pores.

Ladies, try a bold shade of lipstick or slip on those fancy heels in the closet that never see the light of day. 

Do Something Out of the Ordinary

A huge factor in gaining confidence is in conquering a fear. Try something new. Something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. For some of us, this might look like eating alone at a restaurant. For others, it might be swing dancing.

Remember, self-care is completely individual, and the point is to feel good during and after. When we feel more confidence and secure in ourselves, life gets easier. We tend to adjust to life’s curveballs with greater ease when we feel good inside and out.

It’s time we learn how to take care of our emotional and spiritual needs, as well as our physical and social. Self-care sometimes feels selfish and self-indulgent, but it’s quite the opposite. We need to be whole to share ourselves. Life demands us to give, give, give.

But what are we really giving if we aren’t complete? Do yourself the ultimate favor and mindfully partake in self-care habits to increase your self-esteem and give a whopping boost to your confidence. It will serve you, and others, well.