Let’s be real, self-worth is like that one ex who ghosts you for months and then suddenly pops up just when you’re starting to move on. One minute, you’re strutting through life like the main character, and the next, you’re spiraling because your friend took two hours to reply to your text.
But fear not! Buddhism has some shockingly simple (and drama-free) habits that can help you stop looking for validation in unread messages and start feeling like the bad*ss you truly are. And no, you don’t need to move to a mountain monastery, wear orange robes, or give up iced coffee. Let’s dive in.
1. Practice “Impermanence” Like Your Toxic Ex Does
Here’s the tea: Everything changes. That thing you’re obsessing over? That feeling of not being enough? The way your confidence crumbles after one awkward Zoom call? All temporary.
Buddhists call this “impermanence,” and it basically means nothing lasts forever, good or bad. So next time your brain starts spiraling, remind yourself: This too shall pass. Just like that situationship you were in last summer.
Quick fix: When you start feeling like trash, take a deep breath and say, This is temporary, and so is my WiFi connection. Might as well ride it out.
2. Be Mindful, AKA Stop Stalking Your Crush’s Instagram at 2 AM
Mindfulness is all about living in the moment. But let’s be honest, most of us spend more time in a fake scenario we made up in our heads than in actual reality.
So instead of replaying that one embarrassing thing you said in 2017, try focusing on the now. Feel your breath. Notice your surroundings. Be fully present, even when doing boring things like washing dishes. You’d be surprised how much peace comes from just being instead of overthinking.
Quick fix: Every time you catch yourself overanalyzing a text or dwelling on the past, snap out of it by naming five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. (Yes, even if it’s just lip balm.)
3. Detach, Because No One Else Can Ruin Your Day (Unless You Let Them)
Buddhists have mastered the art of not giving a fck* (politely, of course). They practice non-attachment, which means they don’t cling to outcomes, people, or that one jacket they swore they’d wear but never did.
When you detach, you stop relying on other people for your happiness. Imagine how unstoppable you’d be if you didn’t care whether someone complimented your outfit or left you on read.
Quick fix: Next time someone’s opinion ruins your vibe, ask yourself: Am I giving this person too much power? If the answer is yes, take a deep breath and mentally unsubscribe from their influence.
4. Practice Loving-Kindness, Yes, Even to That One Girl Who Stole Your Idea
Loving-kindness (or Metta, if you wanna sound fancy) is all about sending good vibes to yourself and others, even the ones who don’t deserve it. Why? Because holding onto anger only hurts you.
Instead of plotting revenge in your head (we’ve all been there), try this: Close your eyes and silently wish that person happiness. Not for them, for you.
Quick fix: Say this mantra: May I be happy. May I be peaceful. May I be free from suffering. Then (deep breath) say it for the person who annoyed you. Yes, even her.
5. Be Grateful, Because You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you woke up today with WiFi, a roof over your head, and at least one person who tolerates you, congratulations! You’re already winning.
Gratitude is a Buddhist cheat code for instant self-worth. The more you focus on what you do have, the less you obsess over what you don’t.
Quick fix: Every night, write down three things you’re grateful for. (Yes, your cat counts.)
6. Embrace Simplicity, You Don’t Need That 15-Step Skincare Routine
Buddhists believe in keeping things simple, and let’s be honest, we could all use less stress and fewer Sephora impulse buys.
When you strip away all the extra noise (AKA doom-scrolling, comparison, and overcomplicating everything), you’ll feel way more at peace.
Quick fix: Unfollow accounts that make you feel like you need to “fix” yourself. Simplicity starts with what you consume, both mentally and physically.
7. Meditate, Or Just Sit in Silence Like a Mysterious Movie Character
Meditation sounds intimidating, but it’s basically just sitting quietly and letting your brain chill for a second. No chanting required.
Even two minutes of deep breathing can reset your whole vibe and remind you that you are, in fact, that girl.
Quick fix: Set a timer for two minutes, close your eyes, and breathe. That’s it. If thoughts pop up, let them. Then bring your focus back to your breath.
Final Thoughts: You Already Have Everything You Need
Self-worth isn’t something you get, it’s something you realize you already have. Buddhism teaches that happiness comes from within, not from other people, a certain weight on the scale, or the number of likes on your latest post.
So take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, and remember: You are already whole. You are already enough. And if all else fails, just remind yourself,
Even Buddha would have ghosted that toxic ex.
