Self-Respect: 5 Ways to Respect Yourself

Self-respect describes a person’s ability to validate and affirm themselves, even when experiencing adversity or self-doubt. Self-respect involves self-worth and self-love, and having self-respect means setting boundaries, maintaining core beliefs, and rewarding yourself with affirmations.

Self-respect is inward and outward: It influences your relationship with yourself and others and can help form healthy relationships. Now and then, everyone will endure imposter syndrome, become a people pleaser, or engage in negative self-talk. Self-respect brings people back to their most authentic selves, improving wellness and preventing bad habits.

Self-respect is essential because it correlates to a person’s overall well-being. Consider the following benefits of practicing self-respect:

• Self-respect builds trust. People with strong self-respect are generally trustworthy. When people practice self-respect, they can earn others’ respect. Respect is foundational to building trust and communicating effectively with others.
• Self-respect helps people find inner peace. You may encounter people who disagree with you, put you down, and introduce obstacles in your path. Self-respect can give you self-confidence and act as the engine that fuels onward momentum.
• Self-respect is affirming. Having self-respect can act as an affirming guidepost in tricky situations. A person with solid self-respect can more easily stick to their personal values and beliefs when making decisions.
• Self-respect supports mental health. Developing self-worth is a form of self-care. A lack of self-respect can cause low self-esteem, adversely impacting mental health.

To boost your self-respect, try out these wellness tips:

1. 1. Be with people who bring out your light. Your friends and chosen family will understand and love you most, making it easier to feel appreciated and seen. This will lead to greater happiness.
2. 2. Practice what brings you joy. Practicing yoga, hiking, or cooking a homemade meal may activate your true self. Carve out time to do enjoyable activities to feel like your best self.
3. 3. Prioritize self-care. Reserve time for yourself each day and treat yourself as often as you need to improve your well-being. Whether a spa day or a long call with a loved one, a self-care plan allows you to recharge and be your best self moving forward.
4. 4. Remove negativity from your life. You may need to end or change relationships with people who do not have a positive outlook, and you should also say no to activities or work that do not align with your values.
5. 5. Write yourself affirmations. Celebrate what you like about yourself. You can journal your affirmations or write them on fun paper as a collage, giving you something positive in challenging times.

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