Self-esteem: What it is and how to improve yours!

SELF-ESTEEM is the value we place on ourselves

It is important because girls who have high self-esteem are more likely to -

1. have healthy relationships
2. try new things
3. be successful
4. be confident and happy with who they are

Girl with high self-esteem	Girl with low self-esteem
good posture accepts own strengths and weaknesses knows it's ok to make mistakes will try new things has healthy relationships respects self feels confident maintains good eye-contact compliments others and accepts compliments well	poor posture focuses on weaknesses believes mistakes are terrible and embarrassing avoids new situations allows others to mistreat her can be needy in friendships feels worthless avoids eye-contact criticises self and others

How to improve your self-esteem:

1. Improve your posture - chin-up, shoulders back and walk confidently!
   
2. Accept that you have strengths and weaknesses...nobody is perfect and that's OK.
3. Focus on positive character traits and work on them (Honesty, helpfulness, courage, generosity, listening to friends, etc).
   
4. Praise yourself for the things you are proud of. Celebrate your own achievements.
5. Encourage others by giving compliments. This will help someone else to feel good and you will also feel good.
6. Allow yourself to make mistakes...it's OK and it's how we learn.
7. Say nice things to yourself in the mirror on a daily basis. These are called affirmations. For example: "I am special", "I have a nice smile", "I am a good friend", "I am caring".
8. Present yourself well. When we look good we feel good! Keep well groomed - hair, nails, clothes, make-up.
9. Join a group where you can make new friends. EG a sporting team, church youth group, band, choir, etc.
10. Exercise - when you exercise, you feel better about yourself. Consult a health professional to ensure that your exercises are appropriate for you.
11. Eat well - good food helps us to perform to our potential as it provides the energy and nutrients our bodies need.
12. Hang out with positive people - you often become like those you spend a lot of time with, so choose wisely!
13. Have a laugh - Life can be fun…chill out and enjoy some time with friends.
14. Talk to others - It's helpful to discuss problems with family members or friends. See a counsellor if you need someone neutral to talk with.

For more information and resources about self-esteem, head on over to www.kidshealth.org