International Boost Self-Esteem Month

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month. This month is dedicated to improving self-esteem, especially important after a series of lockdowns during the pandemic which has forced people to spend more alone time than usual. Self-esteem is a person’s overall sense of personal worth or value. It can be defined by many factors including identity, sense of belonging, self-confidence, security, and competence. When you have high self-esteem, you usually feel confident and positive. When it’s low, you can feel down in the dumps and self-critical. It can affect your actions, relationships, and even your health.

With social media at our fingertips and our current society, it is easy to fall into a trap of constant comparison or constantly trying to portray the best version of ourselves. Studies have shown that social media has made it harder for people to feel like they are good enough because people are constantly comparing themselves to each other and people typically share only the best parts of themselves on social media. This can create unattainable goals for many people and result in low self-esteem.

Given the constant pressures and constant competition for self-perfection, it is important to take a step back and try to understand ourselves and who we really are as a person. Getting to know yourself can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin and boost your self-esteem. It is also important to actively catch yourself in your own negative criticisms and change your thought into something positive about yourself. This isn’t something that will happen easily or instantly, it takes practice to change our way of thinking.

Self-care is also a huge part of having higher self-esteem. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, having fun hobbies to look forward to. All of these contributes to our highest selves. Making small changes in our everyday habits and thoughts can really go a long way and add up over time.

Take a break from social media and when you are on social media, kindly remind yourself that what you are seeing, isn’t always reality. Do things that make you feel good! Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and are uplifting to be around. Take care of yourself and give yourself the same patience and gratitude you give others. You are the only you in this world!

Sources:
https://lifelineconnections.org/international-self-esteem-month/ https://www.counselingschools.com/blog/international-boost-self-esteem-month#:~:text=February%20is%20International%20Boost%20Self,among%20people%20across%20the%20globe.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-esteem-2795868

Tiffany Dahir, Assistant Director for The Kim Foundation

Tiffany Dahir is the Assistant Director of The Kim Foundation. She received her Master’s Degree in Organizational Performance in 2018 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management in 2013, both from Bellevue University. She has worked for The Kim Foundation since January 2020. Her previous experience through her work and volunteering includes marketing, event planning, fundraising, I.T., and operations. Tiffany’s role at The Kim Foundation includes daily office operations, marketing, coordinating event logistics and employee relations.