Self-Esteem – A Cornerstone of Holistic Health

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Self-Esteem – A Cornerstone of Holistic Health

When we talk about holistic health, many people first think of exercise, nutrition, and recovery. But equally important – often crucial – is our self-esteem. Self-esteem influences not only how we see ourselves, but also how we relate to others, manage stress, and navigate life’s challenges. It is an invisible force that can strengthen both mental and physical health.

For some, self-esteem comes naturally, while others struggle with doubts about their own worth or have difficulty standing firm in themselves. This is entirely normal – our patterns are often established early in life, as we discussed in the first blog post on attachment. There, we saw how early relationships shape our patterns in adult relationships. Self-esteem is closely linked to these attachment patterns: secure attachment can provide a stable inner sense of value, while insecure attachment is often associated with low self-esteem or negative self-beliefs.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the individual’s sense of their own worth – a relatively stable feeling of being valuable, capable, and deserving of respect (Rosenberg, 1965). From a holistic health perspective, self-esteem influences not only our psychological well-being, but also our relationships, our motivation to take care of our bodies, and our ability to create balance across different areas of life.

Understanding our self-esteem at a fundamental level can help us become aware of our patterns and provide a stronger inner compass in everyday life.

Self-esteem and attachment

Attachment patterns, which I have written about previously in this blog series, develop in childhood through interactions with significant adults. Bartholomew and Horowitz (1991) have shown that our internal working models of ourselves and others affect how we form attachments as adults. People with secure attachment tend to have a positive self-image, while those with avoidant or ambivalent attachment often experience low self-esteem or feel uncertain about their own value.

Self-esteem thus serves as a bridge between our early relational experiences and our health as adults. It influences how we handle stress, set boundaries, and engage in relationships and healthy habits.

Self-esteem and holistic health

Research shows that high self-esteem is linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression (Orth, Robins & Widaman, 2012), better stress management (Pyszczynski et al., 2004), and greater motivation to care for the body and live healthily. Low self-esteem, on the other hand, can lead to self-destructive behaviors, difficulties in relationships, and increased vulnerability to mental health challenges.

Relational factors are central. Secure attachment acts as a buffer against life’s stressors – you have both trust in your own worth and the ability to build reciprocal relationships. Insecure patterns can reinforce negative self-schemas and create destructive cycles (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2016).

Holistic health, therefore, is not just about the body, but about how we see ourselves, how we manage our relationships, and how we create balance across different parts of life. Self-esteem is a central part of this.

Self-esteem as a process

Self-esteem is not static. It can be strengthened through reflection, increased body awareness, practicing boundary-setting, and developing secure relationships. By consciously focusing on self-esteem, we can increase balance in life, improve mental health, and create a stable foundation for personal growth.

Final words

Self-esteem is an internal resource that affects our overall health – mentally, physically, and relationally. It is closely linked to our attachment patterns and to how we engage with the world and ourselves. Through reflection and conscious practices, we can begin to strengthen self-esteem, but deeper childhood patterns often require time, support, and long-term work – which is why I, Coach Angelica, also offer in-depth coaching sessions.

Understanding and nurturing your self-esteem is not only an investment in relationships and personal growth, but in holistic health as a whole.

Below you will find all the posts in the blog series Relationshops: 

Relationships part 1

Relationships part 2

Relationships part 3

Relationships part 4

Relationships part 5

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