Low self esteem is a persistent and frustrating state of being for some people.
Often, to others on the outside looking in, the person suffering from low self esteem is bewildering.
Some of the most attractive, successful, and intelligent people struggle with this problem, and the result can become manifest in poor relationship choices and self destructive behavior patterns.
Unfortunately, these poor choices in romantic partners and behaviors serve to only reinforce the notion that the individual doesn't deserve good treatment or the gifts they have been given.
Here are 4 steps to elevating your self esteem to new heights and making more positive choices in the future: 1.
Take good care of yourself physically.
Eating right and taking vitamins and supplements where needed is very important.
Your natural health care practitioner can give you a more specific "cocktail" of supplements tailored to your specific health optimization, but for most people a good start is a food based multivitamin and fish oil.
Emphasize unprocessed foods, fresh fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.
Exercise regularly in a doctor-approved exercise program, focusing ideally upon cardiovascular exercise.
Not only will it elevate your mood, but help increase your body image as you get into better shape.
2.
Gather a support network around you, of people who uplift you and tell you positive things about yourself.
This can include friends and family, as well as helping professionals such as a counselor and/or coach.
Saturating yourself with positive feedback about who you are and what your capabilities and strengths are will help program you to think differently about yourself and place better value on what you have to offer, and conversely what kind of treatment you should expect from others.
3.
Do an assessment of the other relationships in your life.
It may be that you need to look closely at your partner, if he or she is not someone you feel is supportive and positive toward you.
If instead you find yourself feeling more worthless, incapable, or even questioning your sanity when you are around this person, that's a warning signal.
If he or she is critical of you and attempts to control your activities and behaviors, this is another sign that your relationship may be emotionally abusive and contributing to your struggles with self esteem.
4.
Start regularly doing small things to send yourself the message that you are worthwhile.
Along with physical care, try choosing some activities that make you feel good emotionally - a small or inexpensive gift you can buy yourself, an activity you enjoy doing.
Make a list of these activities and make the decision to pick one a day to do for yourself.
Cross the activity off the list and create a new list once that one is exhausted.