5 self esteem activities for adults that will help you build confidence

Do you find that you often look for approval from friends, family, and co-workers?

If so, increasing your self-esteem through activities may give you the confidence you've been looking for!

Self-esteem is:

• how you see yourself

• based upon opinions you have of yourself

• often referred to as self-confidence

Self-esteem can impact:

• your personal life

• your professional life

• your education

• your relationships with others

11 Signs of Low-Self-Esteem

• Low confidence

• Feelings of a lack of control

• Constant comparison to others

• Difficulty asking for what you need

• Self-doubt and worry which leads to second-guessing yourself

• Difficulty accepting compliments

• Negative self-talk which leads to self-blame

• Fear of failure which often leads to avoidance

• Poor outlook which makes it difficult to engage in positive behaviors

• Lack of boundaries which can allow others to take advantage

• People-pleasing which often leads to neglecting your own needs

1. Create a Vision Board

Author Shannah Kennedy shares that vision boards allow people to imagine a positive future which can be motivational and can increase self-confidence and esteem.

• A vision board should represent your goals and dreams

• It can be created digitally (using Canva or a similar site) or using magazine pictures

• Place it where you can look at it every day

• It can be a calming activity

2. Set Up Small Goals

Setting small goals provides a sense of purpose and something to work towards which can increase self-esteem.

• Pick 2-4 small goals

• Goals can be daily, weekly, or monthly

• Choose goals that you know you can accomplish

• Write the goals down (on paper or digitally)

• Check off each goal when achieved

Photo by Caroline Veronez on Unsplash

3. Be Kind To Yourself

According to the Harvard Business Review, treating yourself with kindness builds self-esteem.

• Give yourself grace when things don't go as planned

• Pump yourself up when things feel challenging

• Instead of focusing on the negatives, find positive things that you love about yourself

• Take time for yourself doing things that you love

• Practice gratitude

Photo by kike vega on Unsplash

4. Exercise

Research has shown that exercise increases self-esteem.

• Exercise increases endorphins which make you feel happier

• Any form of exercise can produce positive effects that put you in a good mood

• Exercising consistently (3-4 times a week) keeps your mind in a positive state

Photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash

5. Positive Affirmations

Studies have shown that daily positive affirmations can increase self-esteem.

• Look through books or the internet for affirmations that are meaningful to you

• Write the affirmations down (post-it notes, pieces of paper, etc)

• Place the affirmations in a place where you will see them (the bathroom mirror, a bedside table, the coffee maker, etc) every day

• Read the affirmations every day

Are you ready to build your self-esteem?