Boost Self-Esteem

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Fun fact: the higher your self-esteem, the easier your journey to healthy living can be. It checks out scientifically, but it makes logical sense, too: The more you value yourself, the more inclined you’ll be to treat yourself well. And when you treat your body with respect, weight loss follows! If you loved the practical tips in your WW Freestyle weekly for boosting your self-esteem, check out these creative exercises to boost your self-esteem and kickstart more good-for-you actions

We tend to speak to ourselves more negatively than we would to a friend. Have you ever thought about how a friend would feel, and what they’d say, if you spoke to them as unkindly as you do to yourself? Imagine your friend overate and you said they’d never achieve their weight goals. Not only would your friend feel hurt and upset, they (wisely) wouldn’t believe you! After all, one episode of unplanned eating doesn’t mean permanent, or even temporary, failure. Speaking unkindly to yourself doesn’t just lower your self-esteem, it also feeds you false truths.

Recognizing and shifting negative, unrealistic thoughts is key to upping your self-esteem. For instance, if you find yourself thinking: “I’m too big to wear white, no wonder the clothing store cashier rolled her eyes at me,” reality check that thought and shift to a more realistic and helpful thought. That might be: “I have the right to wear whatever I want, white is my favourite colour, and I happen to think this looks great on me!” Try not to let an unhelpful thought go unchecked. When you have one, take a second to reframe it. The more you practice this, the higher your self-esteem can become.

It’s not just a classic Motown song. It's essential! “I realized that I had to start respecting myself,” says member Whitney. “You walk through life feeling like you could be more, that you could do more, but I’ve learned to accept who I am.” What helped her get to this healthy level of self-esteem? Reading others’ stories on Connect, and following the doable workout challenges with her #WWFam on the app. Finding like-minded members can be inspiring, especially when they’ve faced similar self-esteem challenges.

Do good, feel good!

Let’s be honest: We’re pretty much on our phones (at least) a few hours a day. Why not use your social media time to boost your self-esteem? Doing a random act of kindness for others boomerangs nicely: You also feel better about yourself. And while volunteering for a cause you care about on weekends, can help you on your journey, you can do philanthropic self-esteem boosts online, too