7 Ways to boost your summer self-esteem

1st Aug 2023 Life

Try a few of these proven strategies to improve your confidence now and set yourself up for sunnier times ahead

Big yourself up

Rather than focusing on the negatives, make an effort to recognise your plus points. Make a list of the things you like about yourself—for instance, how you help others or make people laugh—and of compliments people pay you. Refer to it when you’re doubting your worth.

"Make a list of the things you like about yourself"

If you find yourself criticising yourself, stop and ask yourself, “Would I say that to a friend?”

Give yourself a mini-makeover

One thing that’s easy to do is change your appearance and summer’s the time to do it! It’s amazing how good a new dress, a haircut, having your teeth whitened or your nails done can make you feel. Even a shower and a shave can give your self-image a lift. Always stand tall—looking confident will help you feel more confident.

Make plans with positive people

Leave behind the moaners and the ones who put you down. If that’s not possible, see them less and instead seek out people with a glass-half-full mentality.

A meta-analysis of 48 studies published by the American Psychological Association in 2019 found positive social relationships had a beneficial effect on self-esteem but poor-quality relationships had a negative effect. Actively arrange to meet them, as having fun with great people will make you feel better about yourself.

Try something new

Getting out of your comfort zone will give you a sense of achievement and help your self-belief. Always fancied paddleboarding? It’s the right season for it! Would you like to paint better? Look around for an art class. You’ll get to meet like-minded people too.

Go to the gym

A 2016 study in the Journal of Psychosocial Research found that self-esteem was higher in those who worked out in the gym than for a group who had a sedentary lifestyle.

"It’s well known exercising is good for mental health generally"

The research focused on adolescents but there’s no reason it wouldn’t hold true for adults of all ages and for all kinds of physical activity. It’s well known exercising is good for mental health generally.

Join lots of outdoorsy groups

Research has shown that getting out into a green space can enhance self-respect and summer is the best time to do it.

Meanwhile, Canadian research found that belonging to multiple groups benefited self-esteem more than having lots of friends. So why not kill two birds with one stone and sign up for a walking group, a local conservation group or a gardening club?

Spot your own talent

Do you ever think about what you’re good at and what skills you have? No? It’s time to start! You might be surprised. It could be cooking, cryptic crosswords, dancing, speaking a foreign language or repairing things. Doing more of the things you do well and taking time to improve will boost your self-confidence.