Positive thoughts and actions have a better impact on our mental and physical health than negativity. But in the age of social media, it can be hard to give ourselves the positive treatment we deserve. If you want to start nurturing a more positive self-image (the mental picture you have of yourself) but don’t know where to start, read the following steps. These can help you start to see yourself in a more positive light.
Celebrate Your Strengths
If you want a better mental picture of yourself, celebrate your strengths. Every person has unique skills or accomplishments they can be proud of. As you go about daily life, make sure to note the accomplishments, talents, and qualities you believe make you special. You can do this by making a list or keeping a journal. You then have a written collection of strengths you can pull from every day that can help you accomplish your goals, help others, and nurture your self-image.
If you are having trouble identifying your strengths, you can always confide in close friends or family. They can help you see the things you do well.
Practice Gratitude
It may seem silly, but practicing mindful gratitude daily can have many positive impacts, especially on your self-image. Expressing gratitude can help counteract self-criticism by shifting thoughts away from flaws and toward appreciation. It can also help you stay present, thus reducing anxiety about self-perceived flaws and encouraging a deeper appreciation for who you are in the moment.
You can start a gratitude journal and begin each day by acknowledging at least five things you are grateful for. If you aren’t into journaling, you can make a mental gratitude list every day. Make sure to find different things every day to be grateful for.
Take Social Media Breaks
Social media is a huge part of most people’s lives, thus it can be a huge contributor to poor self-image. People tend to only show the most favorable parts of themselves on social media and that can make it hard for people to overcome the unfavorable parts of their lives.
If you find you are being more negative toward yourself while consuming social media, it may be time to take a break from certain apps or the digital world entirely. If you don’t want to disconnect completely, most cell phones have screen time limits, so you can control how much you are on your phone every day. If you feel better about yourself after not being on your phone, you may want to insert social media breaks into your daily routine.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care activities can help you feel better mentally and physically. When you feel better mentally and physically, you can nurture a better self-image. When you practice self-care, you send a message to yourself that you deserve care and attention. Self-care activities include:
- Indulging in hobbies
- Exercising
- Spending time in nature
- Reading a book
- Eating your favorite meal
- Going on a walk
- Practicing positive affirmations
- Or doing anything that brings you joy
Set Personal Goals
Setting personal goals can be very beneficial to boosting positive self-image. But is important to set realistic goals. Cut down big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and celebrate your accomplishments. Even completing small steps can help you gain more confidence and be more aware of your strengths.
It’s also important to acknowledge small wins along the way rather than only focusing on the destination. Progress is progress no matter what it looks like to others.
Challenge Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk can be very damaging. Pay attention to your inner dialogue and what you tell yourself. When you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself ask whether the thought is true and whether it’s helpful. Replace limiting beliefs with empowering affirmations, and treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
You can also use a journal as a tool in combating negative self-talk. Use it to recognize and address negative thought patterns. By recognizing these patterns, you can put in the work to change your inner dialogue and help create a positive self-image.
Get Help When Needed
You’ll find there are many ways to boost your self-image every day. But if you find yourself in a deep, dark hole of negative thinking and self-talk, it may be time to speak to a professional. Therapists can provide you with resources and support, which can help boost your confidence and self-worth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because you deserve to live a full and positive life.
