How to Boost Your Self-esteem After Divorce

Separating from the person you thought you would be with forever can be a life-changing experience. It is, therefore, not uncommon for a newly divorced person to feel a drop in their confidence and self-esteem, especially if they have been pushing their needs to the bottom of their priority list for a long time. This can make it difficult to move on with their life and can lead to significant mental health concerns like anxiety, stress, and depression. If you are feeling down about yourself and/or your future after divorce, here are some ways to boost your self-esteem and confidence so you can get back to living life to the full once again.

Realize that divorce is not a failure

The first step towards a more positive outlook on the future is to realize that divorce is not a failure. Not every relationship lasts until death do you part, but that does not mean that it was not a worthwhile experience that has enriched your life and helped you to learn lessons. This is particularly true if you share children from the marriage. People grow and change over time, and sometimes they grow in different directions. Some people struggling with low self-esteem have negative thoughts and self-criticism that circles around their heads, but it is possible to learn how to challenge negative self-talk.

Put yourself first for a change

Being in a long-term, committed relationship can mean putting others first, and if you have children, you might not recall the last time you did something that was just for you. Try to find ways to spoil yourself and prioritize your own health and happiness. After all, the happier and healthier you are, the better parent you will be to your children. Why not cook the foods you love, settle down with some treats to watch your favorite movie, or take a long walk in the countryside? Alternatively, arranging to spend the day with friends, pampering yourself is another great way. If you want to start feeling your best self again, consider some of the anti ageing treatments Bromley clinics have that will help you to turn back the clock and boost your self-image.

Stay active

Exercising can be helpful when trying to boost self-esteem for several reasons. Exercise triggers the release of mood-boosting endorphins, which can alleviate stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Being more active can also improve physical fitness and health, which in turn can make us feel more positively about our physical condition and abilities as our fitness improves over time. Whether you take a daily walk, join an exercise class, or start training for a marathon, make it a regular part of your routine.

Set yourself goals

Setting yourself goals and achieving them, no matter how small, can provide a significant boost to your self-esteem. You might set yourself a goal to tidy the spare bedroom, weed the garden, get to bed by 10pm, save for a trip, or to adopt a healthier diet, but making progress is like a hit of positivity. Of course, do not set unrealistic goals, as failing to achieve them might make you feel more negatively towards yourself. Celebrate every success – no matter how small – by sharing it on social media, chatting to friends, or even jotting it down in a journal.

Start a new hobby

When we lack self-esteem, we can be reluctant to try new activities or to be creative because we worry about what others might think about us. Take your divorce as an opportunity to reinvent the parts of yourself that you are unhappy with or to explore dormant talents.