Self-Esteem in the "Real" World: The Impact and Importance of Positive Self-Worth

2. Self-Esteem in the “Real” World • Seven in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members. • Nearly 18% of boys are highly concerned about their weight and body image and at a risk for negative outcomes such as depression and a higher likeliness to engage in high-risk behaviors (binge drinking and drug use). • 75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking, or drinking when feeling badly about themselves (Compared to 25% of girls with high self-esteem). • Students who based their self-worth on external sources--including appearance, approval from others and even their academic performance, reported more stress, anger, academic problems, relationship conflicts, and had higher levels of drug and alcohol use and symptoms of eating disorders.

3. What’s Self-Esteem? Self-esteem is the belief you have of your self-worth and value [tip: think overall versus all-the-time | healthy = reasonable | who you are, not what you do] • Do you respect yourself? • Do you think you are a good person? • Do you like yourself? • Do you think you have value? Healthy Self-Esteem Low Self-Esteem High Self-Esteem

4. Why Self-Esteem Matters… • Whether you realize it or not, self-esteem affects your daily life! • Self-Esteem affects: • Your thoughts • Your feelings • Your behaviors • Your relationships • Your willingness to try new things • How relaxed and comfortable you feel in the world

5. Fostering Positive Self-Esteem • Practice self-care • Be mindful - live in the present • Go outside, enjoy nature and be active • Focus on the positives • Enjoy alone time- unwind with doing something enjoyable by yourself • Pamper yourself- whether it’s giving yourself a facial or trimming up your beard- do something to make you feel good! • Transform negative self-talk into positive self-talk • What’s an example of negative talk? How do you turn that into positive talk? • Focus on others too • How do you contribute to others? • How do you make the world a better place? • Be Patient…developing self-esteem is an ongoing process

6. Putting It Into Practice • Start each morning with writing down something you are grateful for about yourself. I am grateful for my beautiful sense of humor. I am grateful for my willingness to help others. I am grateful for my compassionate listening skills. • Today, tell at least one friend or family member what you appreciate about who they are.I appreciate your loyalty. Thank you for being so thoughtful. Thank you for taking time to listen to me.

7. & Repeat After Me

8. Resources • Dittmann. (2002). Self-esteem that’s based on external sources has mental health consequences, study says. Website. • Do Something. (2017). 11 Facts About Teens and Self Esteem. Website. • Dove. (2008). Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem Commissioned: June 2008. Website. • National Association for Self Esteem. (Unknown). Nurturing of Self-Esteem. Website. • Oswalt, A. (2010). Why Self-Esteem is important and its dimensions. Website. • Perera, K. (Unknown). The Importance of Self Esteem and Self Worth. Website.