The long and short of it is that self esteem and self image are different, but the two are still related. Both can have a large impact on your self confidence.
Self image
Self image is both how you perceive or see yourself and how you think others perceive you. This can include what you think others feel about your characteristics or personality, how you think others look at you physically and how you look at yourself physically. This can be a real problem if, for example, you are 5 pounds overweight and you think of yourself as being 50 pounds overweight.
In some cases, self image is rooted in your childhood. If you were told negative things about yourself when you were young by an authority figure, such as a parent or guardian, you may have internalized these judgments as truth and taken them into your adult life, regardless of reality. This can sometimes lead to extreme problems, such as eating disorders.
Self esteem
Self image is how you look; self esteem is how you feel. If you have a low self image, you may have feelings that you are not worthwhile, feel insecure or feel that you do not have value as a human being. While everyone questions their self worth occasionally, people with low self esteem question their self worth constantly and consistently.
Improve self image and self esteem by building self confidence
If you have a low self image, you may be have low self esteem. How can you feel good about yourself if you look at yourself in a negative fashion?
First, get a thorough physical. Some of your self image and self esteem may be rooted in truth. For example, if you have had a large weight gain, it may not be because you can't control your eating. There may be a physical cause, such as a thyroid problem.
Exercise regularly. Even if your self esteem and self image problems are not completely focused on your body, exercising regularly can be a way to make social contacts and to prove to yourself that you do have self-discipline. In addition, regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular health. As a side benefit, the endorphins that your body produces while exercising will make you feel better overall.
When you catch yourself having negative thoughts about yourself, turn those thoughts into positive ones. Having consistent negative thoughts reinforces your overall negative feelings.
Make lists about the positives about you and your life. Write about the best you have to offer yourself and others. Review your lists and add new positives as time goes by. In addition, don't forget to give yourself small rewards for your successes.
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When your sense of self-worth is routinely low, self esteem activities can help you take stock of your strengths and improve your general sense of being. |
