It can be a difficult road to improve your confidence when you feel low about yourself, but it’s certainly not impossible. A shift of perspective is often all that is needed. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Signs Your Self-Esteem is Low
- Difficulty vocalizing your wants and needs
- Constantly apologizing or feeling guilty
- Being very self-critical
- Not being happy in your own body
- Wishing you were someone else
- Negative thoughts about yourself
- People-pleasing
Tip: Do What Makes You Happy
When you have low self-esteem, the majority of your time is probably spent thinking about how you can gain popularity, how you can improve yourself in others eyes, or how you can achieve an improved version of yourself. The problem with this is that all your time will then be spent on nothing which brings you genuine joy or pleasure, and in turn will worsen your mood.
Instead, simply do what makes you happy. Don’t think what others would expect you to do, just take simple pleasures as they come. Read your favourite book, take a walk or fulfil a hobby.
Tip: Take a Social Media Break
Social media can be a very toxic place if you’re struggling with low self-esteem, and if you’re feeling that way, then a social media break is a good idea. If social media brings you joy and helps you when you spend time on it, then that’s okay, but if you’re noticing that all you’re doing is scrolling other people’s photos and feeling worse about yourself, then a break is in order.
Tip: Be the Best Version of Yourself
When you have low self-esteem, you might be obsessed with striving to be perfect. The problem is, nobody is perfect, and comparing yourself to somebody else will do no good, because they aren’t perfect either.
Instead, all you can do is try to be the best version of yourself. You will find yourself feeling infinitely more free when you stop trying to achieve an impossible standard, and instead embrace the real standard you already are.
Tip: Take Care of Your Body
Never underestimate the power of a healthy body. This doesn’t mean trying to lose weight or change your shape based on supermodels or celebrities you aspire to be. Instead, focus on the base need of being your healthiest. You will feel so much more confident and happy simply by working out and being healthy.
If your self-esteem is linking to mental health conditions which are affecting your physical health, such as binge eating or lack of a healthy diet, then help can be found with programs like edentreatment.com: you’re not alone.
Tip: Focus on Your Positives
Low self-esteem will have you constantly reminding yourself of any negatives — but what about all the positives? Be sure to start of the day reminding yourself what you’re lucky to have, what you’re grateful for, what you love about yourself, even if it’s the smallest thing.
Tip: Treat Yourself With Kindness
Speak to yourself how you would speak to others. Be kind within your own thoughts, and make sure your inner monologue is supportive of you, and not self-critical.
