Self-esteem and confidence are two of the most important aspects of our lives. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more likely to take on new challenges with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. On the other hand, when we lack self-confidence, it can be difficult to achieve anything beyond our comfort zone. In this article, we will explore how meditation can help improve your self-esteem and confidence!
When I work with clients, one of the things I find most beneficial to the journey of whole living is uncovering the primary root of struggle. Many times the struggle among the women I work with is confidence. Whether through self-doubt, the need for external validation, or the comparison to others, they begin to spiral into low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
I don’t want that for you. It’s why I work so hard in my course AND through my resources to give you day-to-day practices to help you become a thriving woman – confident, connected, and knowing you’re capable of what it takes to make things happen.
Let’s discuss the key elements of meditation and how this practice can help boost your confidence & self-esteem.
What Is Meditation and How Can It Help Improve Confidence and Self-Esteem?
Meditation is a practice that has been used for centuries to improve mental clarity, focus, and confidence. In everyday terms, meditation is a way of training the mind to produce certain thoughts and emotions and process others (like insecurity, anxiety, self-doubt, etc.) Through regular meditation, you can gain greater control over your thoughts and feelings, which can have a profound effect on your self-esteem and confidence. For example, studies have shown that practicing meditation regularly can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions that can negatively impact overall confidence. Not to mention, numerous psychological studies have shown that meditating on positive thoughts and images actually has the ability to rewire our brains in a way that promotes confidence. So, if you are looking for ways to increase your confidence and self-esteem meditation is a powerful tool to care for yourself.
How to Get Started With Meditation
Perhaps you’ve had an image of meditation that looks like sitting ‘criss-cross applesauce on the floor while sighing the phrase “OHMMM”. While I love that for the people who do it, I like to de-mystify the practice a bit. It CAN be a spiritual practice and it can also be a mental health practice. Either way, the steps aren’t complicated. Here’s what I want you to try to implement today. Make a 5-minute appointment with yourself for the next 7 days and do the following steps:
- Find a calm & quiet place to sit that makes you feel like you can have a moment of reprieve. It could be a place in your backyard, the balcony of your apartment, or the quiet of your bathroom (if you’re a mom or have roommates you know what I mean!)
- Give yourself a doable time limit. Five minutes is a great place to start.
- Connect with your body. Whether you are sitting, kneeling, or lying down, make sure you are in a position that will be comfortable for an extended period of time.
- Become aware of your breath – – feel it. Allow the sensation of your chest rising and falling to become a rhythm you are aware of.
- Notice your thoughts, and be kind to yourself when your mind wanders. Meditation is a practice and what we are aiming to do is train our minds to work on our terms. That can be difficult when our minds and emotions have been in the driver’s seat for so long. IF you find your mind wandering simply re-center. The goal here is to be kind to your mind.
- End your meditation time with kindness and gratitude. I truly believe loving ourselves is the first step towards building the dream life we see in our minds. Make note of how you feel at the end of your practice. Acknowledge your thoughts and emotions. You’re on a path to re-routing yourself to healing and wholeness.
Tips for Improving Your Practice
Because meditation truly is a practice to increase confidence and self-esteem through meditation, set some benchmarks to promote a successful practice and good habits.
- Be consistent
- Increase your session time
- Don’t create expectations (this is a major pitfall and can lead to disappointment)
- Avoid meditation when you are exhausted. It takes mental energy to focus your mind. Listen to your brain’s needs and allow for rest.
- Focus on the image of you that is confident and full of self-trust. Imagine her in her daily life, having positive interactions, and accomplishing goals.
How to Deal With Difficult Emotions That May Arise During or After Meditation
Meditation is a catalyst for the release of negative emotions. It’s normal and, in the case of building confidence and self-esteem, we want to release the things that have kept us trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, lack of trust, and feeling unworthy. This process can sometimes be emotional. A few things you can do to help you would be to, of course, express those emotions to yourself. Journaling, positive affirmations and positive self-talk is so helpful. It is also helpful to have a trusted person in your life to help you navigate the journey that continues outside of your meditation practice. That’s what I do for the ladies taking my program, The Confident, Connected, and Capable Woman! We walk through a process to help us move to confidence & connection as we overcome confusion, self-doubt and self-criticism.
We’ve only scratched the surface of how meditation can help us become more confident and build our self-esteem. If you want to learn more or start a meditation practice of your own, please join me over on Instagram! I would love to continue this conversation with you and answer any questions you may have. Just send me a DM and I’ll be there to connect! It’s so important you step into the whole, healthy you, and to make your dreams reality. I’m here to help you unlock the power to do just that.
If you are interested in taking care of yourself and step into healthy Whole Humaning:
There are still spots available in my exclusive 1:1 coaching program — The Confident, Connected, and Capable Woman! This program gives you the tools and support you need to connect with who you are, what you want, and how to get it.