- Do you realise what month this is? It’s a new one on me!
- When doubting yourself becomes a physical health issue
- How to boost your self-esteem
If you’re a long-term Good Life Letter reader then you’ll know this about me…
I LOVE a themed day!
Over the years I’ve told you about many bizarre celebratory occasions…
National cheese lovers’ day (Jan 20th)… Ice cream for breakfast day (Feb 6th)… Wear a hat day (March 25th)… Sauvignon Blanc day (May 6th)… Towel day (May 25th)… International chicken wing day (July 1st)…
That’s just the tip of the iceberg!
But it’s not only days that get their own theme.
Some subjects get a whole month devoted to them.
These month-long affairs tend to be for more serious, complex issues, like the environment, culture or mental health.
After all, ‘Sauvignon Blanc MONTH’ or ‘Ice cream for breakfast MONTH’ could lead to serious casualties.
You might not realise it but this month (February 2023) is officially “Boost Your Self Esteem Month”.
I think this subject needs a month. Because turning around your self-esteem is not something you can do in a day.
But it is something that’s worth doing…
When doubting yourself becomes a physical health issue
It might surprise you that I’m introducing self-esteem as a topic.
After all, it’s not your usual natural health and nutritional fayre.
“Have I opened the wrong newsletter?” you might think. “Is this really YOU, Ray?”
But self-esteem isn’t just some fluffy, touchy-feely subject reserved for motivational posters.
It can affect every aspect of our lives, from our mental health to our physical wellbeing.
Think about it…
When you have high self-esteem, you walk taller, smile brighter, and tackle life’s challenges like a pro.
But when you’re down on yourself, everything just feels harder, from getting out of bed to interacting with others.
At this point, it’s not only a state of mind but a physical reality.
This is why there is a growing body of research that suggests that low self-esteem can have a significant impact on physical health.
Studies have found that individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to experience symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and general aches and pains. This may be due to the stress and anxiety that often accompany low self-esteem, which can trigger physical symptoms.
Additionally, low self-esteem has been linked to more serious health conditions such as heart disease.
Research suggests that people with low self-esteem are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking, overeating, and lack of physical activity, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, low self-esteem has been shown to weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off illnesses and diseases.
Low self-esteem can also lead to depression and other mental health problems, which can further weaken the immune system and increase the risk of physical health problems.
Therefore, it’s important to take your self-esteem seriously and to improve it as part of our overall health and well-being.
It’s never an easy fix and it could be down to deep-rooted experiences in your childhood.
But if you want to get started on a journey towards a more self-confident you, then here are some tips:
Practice self-affirmations: Repeat positive statements to yourself, such as “I am worthy,” “I am capable,” and “I am enough.” Repeat these affirmations often, especially when you are feeling down.
- Focus on your strengths: Make a list of your unique talents and skills. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be.
- Surround yourself with positive people: Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you, and limit your time with those who bring you down.
- Take care of your physical health: Exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that make you feel good physically.
- Set achievable goals: Choose goals that are realistic and achievable, and work towards them one step at a time. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.
- Practice self-compassion: Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.
- Do things you enjoy: Make time for hobbies, interests, and activities that fulfil you.
- Be thankful: Focus on the good things in your life and express gratitude for them, even on tough days.
Bear in mind that boosting your self-esteem is a process and it takes time to see results. But with persistence, you can develop a healthier self-image.
To give you a personal example…
How one of the BEST people I know felt like she was the WORST
Lara’s friend, S, is one of the smartest and funniest people we know.
Yet she has suffered all her life from almost crippling self-esteem.
It started in her childhood, when she was constantly compared to her older siblings, who were academically gifted (both went to Oxford Uni).
Her parents and teachers told her she was falling short. This took a toll on S’s self-esteem and she began to believe that she was not good enough.
As she grew older, she felt like she was constantly being judged and she struggled to believe in her own abilities.
This insecurity began to impact every aspect of her life, from her relationships to her career. She found it hard to settle on anything because she felt she didn’t deserve it.
However, for the past few years she has worked with a therapist to build up her confidence.
It wasn’t an overnight change but gradually, S began to see herself in a different light.
She’s now smart and funny AND realises it enough to make bolder decisions in her life. Without going on a diet, she has naturally become slimmer and says she has a much better quality of sleep.
I can’t promise the same results but it might surprise you how a change to your mentality could result in better physical wellbeing.
