It’s not uncommon for women to lose confidence and struggle with self-esteem issues as they get older. Your body changes, you might deal with more health challenges than before, and even your family unit shifting can make you look at yourself in a negative light.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way.
No matter your age, there are things you can do to boost your self-esteem and continue to see your true value. Let’s cover a few tips you can put into practice right away to see yourself and your life in a more positive light.
It’s no secret that you become more susceptible to certain health conditions as you age, including:
While you can’t completely prevent every illness and ailment, making preventative health part of your normal routine can greatly reduce your risk. Preventative health practices like regular screenings and wellness checks, physical activity, and weight management can improve your strength and stamina, reduce blood pressure, improve bone density, and even increase your longevity. When you feel good physically, you’re likely to feel better mentally, too.
Having exciting new experiences is a great way to boost your confidence and help you realize that you can do anything. Traveling is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and experience incredible things all at once. If you don’t think you’re ready to jet-set across the world, consider visiting all of the amazing National Parks our country has to offer. Most of them are just a road trip away, including:
No matter where you choose to travel, be sure to immerse yourself in local activities and cultures. The more you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone, the stronger and more confident you’ll feel.
You might be struggling with your self-esteem because you’re experiencing changes in your life. Maybe your kids have grown up and moved out. Maybe your loved ones are getting older. You might even be on the brink of retirement and wondering what you’re going to do with your life from now on.
All of those things can make you question who you are and what you really want out of life. Take this time to get to know yourself and what makes you tick. Find your true identity. It can help to keep a journal, or even talk to a mental health professional to discover who you are and what you want.
The older we get, the easier it is to let negative self-talk start to take over. You might mentally criticize the wrinkles you see in the mirror, or your physical limitations that never used to be there.
It’s important to challenge those thoughts and that negative self-talk every day. You can do that by reciting positive affirmations to yourself each morning, and even throughout the day. Look in the mirror and say — out loud — three things you like about your appearance.
During the day, remind yourself of things you’re good at while you’re doing them. Did you make a great dinner? Remind yourself that you’re a fantastic cook! These small positive affirmations will go a long way in boosting your self-esteem.
The company you keep can have a huge influence on how you feel about yourself. Put your time and effort into existing relationships that build you up, and consider fostering new relationships as often as possible. Take a class to meet people with similar interests, or reconnect with old friends.
Building healthy relationships can help to combat the loneliness so many people face in their older years, and it can help you realize that you’re someone worth loving.
Have you always considered yourself to be a “people-pleaser”? If so, it’s possible that you’ve struggled with your self-esteem for years.
People who have a hard time saying no often have low confidence. They feel obligated to say yes to everyone’s requests. Unfortunately, that can leave you feeling overburdened and even resentful.
You’ve earned rest and relaxation. Set healthy boundaries in your life, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to the things you don’t really want to do. By giving yourself that extra time, you can show yourself more kindness, grace, and compassion, and boost your self-esteem while you’re at it.
Leaning on your support system is important as you get older, especially if you’re feeling self-conscious or you’ve started to struggle with your confidence.
However, if your self-esteem has gotten so low that it’s causing anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor. Having someone to talk to is a great form of self-care. A counselor can help you live your best life now, while a therapist can make it easier to dive into any underlying issues that could be impacting your mental well-being.
Your self-esteem doesn’t have to suffer just because you’re getting older. Keep these tips in mind to give yourself a boost, and be kind to yourself as you enter this chapter of your life.
Sam Bowman writes about people, aging, wellness, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.
