Editorial: Improve your self-esteem this February
Use 2023’s International Boost Self-Esteem Month to put yourself first.
Self-esteem is your appreciation of yourself as an individual. The more you love yourself for who you are, the more motivated and confident you are. While improving your self-appreciation can be a complicated and difficult task, remember that no matter how low your self-esteem may currently be, it is always possible to improve it.
At The Medium, we value mental well-being, and as U of T students and alumni, we know how stressful and chaotic life can get in the middle of a busy semester. Be it assignments, social commitments, or personal matters, at one point or another, all of us get overwhelmed. And often, these feelings can be hard to escape, particularly when more responsibilities continue to pile on.
However, it’s important—no matter how much pressure you might be feeling—to set time aside for yourself and continue to maintain healthy habits. When life gets busy, and our routines get disrupted, it is too often that the activities we enjoy get pushed to the side.
So, this February, we encourage you to join The Medium during International Boost Self-Esteem Month and dedicate some time towards improving your mental well-being and your self-esteem. Spend an afternoon reflecting on what you excel at; in university, we continuously evaluate ourselves against class averages and our peers, and we often lose sight of our strengths. Build positive relationships—whether it’s an old friend or a new friend, invest some time in strengthening your friendships. Start saying “no” when you need to. Don’t be afraid to prioritize yourself. Finally, try giving yourself a challenge this February. Something small that you can work towards and achieve by the end of the month.
And remember: nothing should come before your health.
