Science & Outdoors
A season for self-esteem
The Pointer
ataub878@uwsp.edu
Welcome to the second half of the month dedicated to feeling great, improving mental health and boosting confidence. February is the national month for self-esteem.
According to the National Association for Self-Esteem, self-esteem is “the experience of being capable of meeting life’s challenges and being worthy of happiness.”
NASE recognizes self-esteem in individuals who have tolerance and respect for others, accept responsibility for their actions and take pride in their accomplishments; people who are self-motivated, willing to take risks and capable of handling criticism.
Self-esteem, according to NASE, can also be easily misinterpreted and associated with egotism, arrogance, conceit or a sense of superiority, characteristics that should not be credited to authentic, healthy self-esteem because they are typically defensive reactions to a lack of self-esteem.
Those who lack self-esteem typically demonstrate actions that focus on trying to prove themselves or to impress others. They generally lack confidence and frequently doubt their value.
Low self-esteem can potentially lead to serious self-abuse such as alcoholism, drug use, eating disorders, school dropouts, low academic achievement and suicide. This is precisely why over 20 years ago NASE began to incorporate self-esteem into the framework of humanity so that every individual experiences personal worth and happiness no matter what age, race or background.
As part of NASE’s mission to reduce the number of people with low-self esteem, February is devoted to building self-esteem in a healthy way. Suggestions for improving self-esteem on the NASE Web site involve taking action. This includes being on time for everything, saying supportive things to yourself and doing what you say you’ll do.
Freshman Bethany Seeds says she plans to boost her confidence by taking time for herself every week. She wants to spend time getting ready and treating herself to some nights out with friends.
Another popular way on campus to build self-esteem during this cold month is taking time each week to work out. Sophomore Alex Johnson likes taking part in intramurals and also working out at the Strength Center.
NASE believes a person cannot have too much self-esteem and asserts that a person with high self-esteem reaps benefits such as feeling good, smiling, having lots of energy and being positive.
