It’s hard enough to increase your self esteem in regular times, but overcoming low self esteem in tough times is even more stressful.

Those of us who aren’t as confident as others tend to play the blame game with ourselves even more. So, what are some things you can do to not only make it through difficult times, but thrive with confidence afterward?

Here are a 3 things you can do to boost your self-esteem during tough times and beyond.

1. Look at the Good in Your Life

It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone goes through tough times at some point. The thing to keep in mind here is that dwelling on negative stuff doesn’t do you any good. If anything, it makes you feel worse, and lowers your self esteem.

Instead, look at the things that you appreciate and enjoy having in your life. Whether it’s an experience, a place, a person, or whatever. Focusing on the things you enjoy makes you feel better. And that’s the first step to getting through a tough time.

2. Relax

Sometimes, we can get so busy trying to make things happen, that we forget about taking time to relax, or de-stress. Probably the best time to just calm down and relax, is when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Go read a book, watch a movie, soak in the tub, take a walk in the park, or even spend time with close friends. Just take time to do something you enjoy doing on a consistent basis.

3. Believe Things Will Get Better

As I mentioned earlier, continuing to focus on the negative, when things are going bad doesn’t serve you. It makes you feel worse. On the other hand, when you know things will get better you’re more relaxed, and your outlook about things becomes more positive.

Hopefully, you’ve picked up the theme I’ve embedded in this article.

When you look at the good in your life, take time to relax, and believe things will get better, you feel better. You feel better not only about the situations around you, but you feel better about YOU. The better you feel, the easier overcoming low self-esteem in difficult times becomes.