Your perception of yourself, or your self-esteem, is how you feel about yourself. Everybody experiences periods of feeling down or having trouble believing in oneself. However, if this persists over time, it may cause concerns, such as mental health problems like sadness or anxiety. These issues can also be indicated by some of the signs of poor self-esteem.
Self-esteem frequently results from our past experiences, particularly the things that happened to us as children. You may, however, boost your self-esteem at any age.
Understanding self-esteem
Self-esteem is sometimes referred to as one’s inner voice, which is the voice that determines whether or not you are competent to do or achieve a goal.
Self-esteem actually refers to how we view ourselves, as well as how we think of ourselves and our capabilities.
Self-esteem is not about ability
Self-esteem is frequently unrelated to your own abilities or how other people’s perception of you.
Someone who is good at something could very well struggle with low self-esteem. On the other hand, a person who has trouble with a particular task could have a positive self-image in general.
Individuals with a high self-esteem typically have an optimistic outlook on life. They become considerably more resilient as a result and are more equipped to handle the ups and downs of life.
However, people with low self-esteem are frequently considerably harsher on themselves. They have a tougher time recovering from obstacles and failures. This might cause individuals to steer clear of trying circumstances. However, because they feel inferior about themselves as a result, that may actually lower their self-esteem even more.
How to improve your self-esteem
- Be nice to yourself
That inner voice that echoes you telling that you are doing well has much more power than you might actually realize. Strive to be kind to yourself, and if you do falter, make an effort to dispel any unfavorable ideas. An excellent rule of thumb is to talk to yourself as gracefully and supportive as you would talk to your friends. This might be hard initially to put into but as you start practicing it you will instantly see the results.
- Be authentic
It is impossible to avoid feeling miserable if you constantly compare yourself to other people. Instead of comparing your objectives and accomplishments to those of others, try to concentrate on your own. Such pressure is unnecessary!
- Focus on what you can change
Even while it’s simple to focus on all the things that are beyond your control, doing so won’t help much. Instead, make an effort to concentrate your energy on figuring out what is under your control so you can take action. Learn more about how to deal with situations that are beyond your control.
- Do what makes you happy
You’re more likely to think favorably if you spend time doing the things you enjoy. Make an effort to plan some me-time each day. Make time for whatever makes you happy, whether it is reading, cooking, or simply lounging on the couch for a while.
- Surround with supportive friends
Avoid those who tend to make you think negatively and seek out those who make you feel good about yourself.
- Get moving
Exercise is a fantastic approach to improve motivation, gain goal-setting experience, and boost confidence. The body releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, as it starts to perspire.
- Kindness
Being helpful and considerate to other people will certainly boost their mood, but it’ll also make you feel pretty good about yourself
