What do you think when you hear the word ego? Do you immediately think of good or bad things? It’s easy to assume it’s all bad because the word is often used when referring to a person who is arrogant or cocky. We will often say they have a “huge ego.”

However, ego is certainly not inherently ‘bad’, indeed it is essential to our being able to live an autonomous and self-directed life. As with so many things that relate to health – physical, mental and emotional – whether something is healthy or not comes down to balance. Is there an unhealthy deficit or excess? Or is there a healthy, optimal balance?

Looking at ‘ego’ with a more neutral lens will enable us to understand the meaning of the word better, and ultimately, of ourselves. Before we look at the negative and positive aspects of the ego, let us first understand what it truly means. Continue reading →

Your ego is a part of your personality. We all view ourselves a certain way, and what shapes our opinions about ourselves depends on how much value we give to ourselves.

In psychology, ego refers to our conscious personality and includes our awareness of ourselves and the world around us. Therefore, our ego refers to how we see ourselves in relation to the world around us.

Having a healthy ego is necessary to feel confident and secure. However, it is also normal to feel our self-esteem dip on different occasions. Perhaps it is because of anxiety or uncertainty that negatively impacts our ego.

Nevertheless, needing a boost in our egos is something we can all make good use of once in a while. Here’s how you can boost your ego and achieve a healthy sense of self: Continue reading →