Weighing Your Self-Esteem
Anyone who has ever anguished over counting calories, dreaded getting on the scale or embarked on a fad diet only to land right back where he or she started, knows the perils of basing self-esteem on weight.
Furthermore, in a society that places so much value on looks and sets stringent (or unobtainable) standards of attractiveness, it's difficult to build healthy self-esteem that relies solely on body image. Several studies have shown a relationship between low self-esteem and eating disorders. Here are some other common trends:
1. You eat more junk food.
A lack of self-esteem has been associated with greater levels of emotional eating. The food makes you feel better—in the short run. The problem is that if you keep eating those comfort foods, you will gain weight and that will probably lower your self-esteem.
2. You tie your self-worth to your diet.
Focus on eating healthfully and setting realistic goals. Also, make sure that self-esteem doesn't lead you astray. If you only pursue quick-fix diets or easy weight loss, you won't learn to create long-term weight-loss success.
3. Your low self-esteem leads to failure.
According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the higher your self-esteem, the more likely you will be to stay on your diet.
The following exercises are a start toward helping to improve self-esteem.
Step 1: Talk to yourself.
This may seem corny at first, but you'll be surprised to discover how much repeating affirmations helps to turn your negative internal dialogue into a positive frame of mind and, as a result, propels you to forge a better sense of your abilities. After all, if you hear something enough, you start to believe it. And if you believe in something enough, most likely you will make it happen.
Select an aspect of your life that causes you misery, frustration or stress. Ask yourself what you'd like to happen to relieve those painful feelings, then formulate a first-person statement such as:
- "I can handle this."
- "I am doing my best."
- "I am becoming healthier and more satisfied with my relationships."
Repeat the affirmation to yourself several times each day.
