Improving self-esteem can be an uphill battle.
Even if you find it easy to laugh off the photo-shopped pictures on the cover of magazines, and resist comparisons to your family and friends, a life-changing event can shake up your perception of yourself.
Questions like “What if?” or “Could I have done more?” can run through your mind, and quickly undermine your sense of self.
How can low self-esteem affect you?
Although low self-esteem is experienced by many people, a negative self-image can manifest in very different ways.
Fear of stepping outside of your comfort zone
When you have a low opinion of yourself, trying something new – or putting effort into anything at all – can fall into the “too-hard basket”. You might avoid a social occasion or pass up on an opportunity at work, and instead choose to stay within your little sphere of what you know. For many, this evasion results from a fear of judgement and can create a vicious cycle of avoidance that is difficult to escape.
Relationship issues
If you have self-esteem problems, it can be easy to believe that you are not worthy of another’s love. As part of a relationship, you may accept abuse or other unreasonable behaviour from a loved one out of a belief that you are not lovable. Alternatively, you may find yourself treating others with disrespect out of a desire to make them feel as bad as you feel, or to push them away.
Lack of self-care
Low self-esteem can come across in your treatment of your body. You may become unhealthy, neglect hygiene, or abuse your body by drinking excessively or taking other substances. In more extreme cases, sufferers may also revert to self-harm or experience suicidal thoughts.
Improving self-esteem
These small strategies can make a big difference in improving self-esteem!
Don’t compare yourself to others
One of the main sources of self-doubt is comparison to others. We might see someone we want to look like or live like, and view ourselves as inferior by comparison. Improving self-esteem means realising that these comparisons are unhealthy. Everyone has a different story, a different situation, and heck, even a different metabolism! Feeling down because you don’t measure up to someone else’s traits is futile. Chances are there is something about you that they would be envious of as well.
Acknowledge your own good qualities and accomplishments
Instead of thinking about what you lack, turn your attention to the things you like about yourself and your life – your kids, your work ethic, and who could forget your karaoke skills?! Everyone is good at something; everyone has admirable qualities. Moving your thoughts from the negative to the positive is key to improving self-esteem
Have fun!
Sometimes when we feel bad about ourselves, what we really need is a distraction. Doing something you like to do will release endorphins, give you a more positive outlook on life, and help you to realise that things aren’t all bad. Improving self-esteem may be as simply as having some fun.
Practice makes perfect(ish)!
Improving self-esteem takes time. Like everyone, you will still experience moments when you aren’t at your best. Use this information to recognise those low feelings as a passing effect, and keep the smile on your dial.
Improving self-esteem takes patience. But we already think you are perfect!
The Clarity Road Team
