International Self-Esteem Month

Celebrate International Boost Self-Esteem Month in February

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month. This month is dedicated to improving self-esteem. Self-esteem is a person’s overall sense of personal worth or value. Self-esteem means many things. For example, it can include identity, sense of belonging, self-confidence, security, and competence. When you have high self-esteem, you usually feel confident and positive. When it’s low, you can feel down in the dumps and self-critical. It can affect your actions, relationships, and even your health. The color for International Boost Self-Esteem Month is lime green for mental health. Wear a lime green enamel awareness ribbon pin, fabric ribbon, or lime green silicone wristband for Boost Self-Esteem Month.

Social Media and International Boost Self-Esteem Month

With social media at our fingertips and our current society, it is easy to get caught in constant comparison. And, more importantly, constantly trying to portray the best version of ourselves. Studies have shown that social media has made it harder for people to feel like they are good enough. People are constantly comparing themselves to each other and people typically share only the best parts of themselves on social media. This can create unattainable goals for many people and result in low self-esteem.

International Boost Self-Esteem Month During February and All Year Long

Given the constant pressures and constant competition for self-perfection, it is important to take a step back and try to understand ourselves and who we really are as a person. Getting to know yourself can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin and boost your self-esteem. It is also important to actively catch yourself in your own negative criticisms and change your thought into something positive about yourself. This isn’t something that will happen easily or instantly. It takes practice to change our way of thinking.

Self-Care and Self-Esteem

Self-care is also a huge part of having higher self-esteem. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, having fun hobbies to enjoy. All of these contributes to our highest selves. Making small changes in our everyday habits and thoughts can really go a long way and add up over time.

Take a break from social media and when you are on social media, kindly remind yourself that what you are seeing, isn’t always reality. Do things that make you feel good! Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and are uplifting to be around. Take care of yourself and give yourself the same patience and gratitude you give others. You are the only you in this world!

Here are the top 5 ways to build self-esteem and create a happier, more fulfilling life for yourself.

Find (And Nurture) Your Passions

Very few people know what they want to be when they grow up, and very few people stick with that plan anyway.

What really matters? Doing whatever inspires you and brings you joy right now, even if it’s not a long-term plan.

Dance, join an art club, learn to play chess, or find a gaming community with like-minded people. There are plenty of ways you can nurture a passion and boost your confidence by doing something that matters to you.

Let Go Of The Past

One of the most common reasons we struggle with self-esteem issues is because we’re stuck in the past. Whether that’s a mistake you made that you feel bad about or something a person did to hurt you, it’s tough to let these things go. Often, we keep thinking about these events again and again, so it feels impossible to move on. But with time and awareness, you can.

Whenever you think about the painful past, try to redirect your thoughts to people and things you’re grateful for right now or your vision for the future. It can be hard at first, but this habit will help you let go of the past that you can’t change but is holding you back from growth with practice.

Set Goals

It’s so easy to keep trying to be the person we think other people want or need us to be. Unfortunately, we usually always have the wrong idea about what certain people expect, or they have impossible standards. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.

Set your own goals for what you want to do and who you want to be. The ones who love you will show support and love you no matter what.

Appreciate What You Have

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting things. Let’s be real: there are so many cool devices, gadgets, accessories, clothes, and collectibles out there. Maybe what you want is a closer relationship with someone you know.

It’s okay to want something that excites you. But here’s the thing you should keep in mind: no material thing or relationship you get will bring you happiness if you don’t feel happy with yourself.

Start with a daily gratitude practice, so you’re always aware of what you already have. With time, you might notice yourself feeling less drawn to having more stuff or longing for new relationships as you begin to practice appreciating the good things that already exist in your life.

Rethink Which Relationships Matter

Have you noticed that you feel the saddest when you’re thinking about the relationships you don’t have or the ones that have caused you pain and disappointment?

You’re not alone.

Many of us make the mistake of putting our sense of self-worth in the hands of someone else. But whether or not someone gives you their attention, kindness, or a romantic relationship doesn’t define your worth. Rethink which relationships matter: focus on the friends and family members who genuinely love you, even if they aren’t perfect or trending.