If you suffer from low self-esteem know this – how you see and value yourself can be changed. What you believe about yourself can sometimes feel as if it’s carved in stone, that you’re you, and you won’t ever change, that your dislike of yourself is a part of who you are, but that’s just a myth and this is why low self-esteem can be changed.
Low self-esteem is a negative thought has managed to persist and skew how you see yourself. It can sneak up on you, like flowing water ebbing away at seemingly impervious stone until one day your foundations collapse and you believe yourself incapable of doing or achieving anything.
Firstly, whatever has caused your low self-esteem need not determine your future. It’s your right to feel good about yourself and who you are as a person….. And if this sounds like an insurmountable challenge, it’s not. Just take these small steps towards better self – esteem;
If you hate yourself, you probably don’t know yourself. So, take a step back, a deep breath and find out who you really are;
● Think about what makes you happy?
● Understand what makes you laugh?
● What makes other people want to be friends with you?
● What makes people love you?
● What do you value in life and love?
Likewise, consider keeping a journal whilst you’re working through this process. You can keep track of progress and make a note of what self-esteem means to you.
Importantly, try not to compare yourself to other people. You are not them, and their lives are not yours. Comparison is the mother of all evils, because you never know fully what’s going on in someone else’s head or life. We are all selective about what we choose to share, what you see is never the full picture.
You know how precious sleep is to good mental health, so now is more important than ever to get the requisite amount of shut-eye for you. If you aren’t sure, aim for 8 hours and see how you feel.
Likewise, go for a run, or a walk, a cycle, or go to the gym. Doing physical activity will have a profound effect on your mood, and the more you do it, the easier it will become.
Alternatively, spend some time outside. Surrounding yourself in green space does wonders for mental health. And don’t forget to eat well – good nutrition is key to good mental health.
This is easier said than done but focus on the good things, the compliments, the praise, your successes. Above all, try not to put unnatural weight on the bad things that may happen, or the unkind things people may say.
Above all, having a wonderfully supportive network around you can really bolster your self-esteem, and consider distancing yourself from negative people. Misery does like company after all.
Try talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) It can be really helpful for building self-esteem or finding ways to cope with negative thoughts.
Moreover, take each day as it comes, but don’t get complacent. Challenge yourself to do something you enjoy each day – a new hobby, volunteer, or just read a book, and remember, you don’t have to be the best at something to have fun.
In short, if low self – esteem is having a major impact on your life and happiness, maybe it’s time to get professional help?
Your happiness is always worth investing in, and you deserve to find the best help you can. Following these steps is why low self-esteem can be changed.