Despite living in a world full of makeup and hair products and just about every fashion item you could imagine, we find that there is still an epidemic of low self-esteem. With photoshopped pictures lining the aisles of the grocery stores and even concealing the true looks of average girls on Instagram, we often find ourselves feeling as though we aren’t good enough. Whether it is the way our makeup looks, the way our hair falls, the size pants we wear, where we live, or how many friends we have there is always something that leaves us comparing ourselves to others.

It plagues almost every aspect of our lives from how we think about ourselves to how we react to life situations. But, this epidemic of low self-esteem doesn’t just stem from the media.  Low self-esteem can arise from influences and thoughts generated from others but also from within.

And, it negatively affects our lives:

It can reduce your quality of life.

Over time, and if left unchecked, low self-esteem might lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, sometimes causing tragic outcomes. Overall, these mental health issues can begin to reduce the quality of a persons life as they constantly worry, feel extremely sad, and as a result miss work, end friendships, and become withdrawn. Furthermore, low self-esteem can contribute to ongoing stressful life events such as financial trouble, relationship breakdowns, poor treatment from others, etc.

It can lead to you being taken advantage of.

Sadly, there are plenty of people out there who prey on the weak. Those who will physically and mentally abuse those who appear unstable. Low self-esteem could potentially put you in situations you don’t want to be in and don’t like being in. Furthermore, these situations could even be potentially harmful to you.

It can cost you your potential.

Low self-esteem not only makes you feel down, but it can also cause you to stay down, keeping you from reaching your full potential. As you worry about what others might think or say, you might begin to avoid pursuing your dreams and goals out of fear or rejection and criticism. But, low self-esteem is not impossible to overcome. And, it should not cost you your dreams, goals, hopes, and even your life.

So, how do you look yourself in the face and overcome it?

Recognize you are not alone.

Have you heard that the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem? Well, the first step to overcoming low self-esteem is admitting that you aren’t alone. Very few people would consider themselves to be beautiful, confident people. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t change that.

Identify your negative thoughts.

Once you realize you do have low self-esteem but you are not the only one, identify what things you are saying that are putting you down even more.

Then, address why those things are not true.

Find a hobby.

Getting active and putting your emotion into something productive is a great way to overcome most mental troubles. Doing something productive, like crafting, can help give your life more meaning. Creativity builds self-esteem and fosters new ideas.

Grab some paint, a few stickers, and a blank canvas and go to town. Regardless of the hobby you choose whether it is drawing, sewing, or something totally different it is a step in the right direction.

A hobby will help add meaning to your everyday life, it will give you something to do to help you relax, and will give you a sense of accomplishment as you create your next masterpiece.

Start a journal.

Sometimes, what we really need is to take a step back and realize what is actually going on. However, in the heat of the moment, and considering that you cannot escape yourself, it can be hard to take a step back and evaluate our emotions.

But, keeping a journal with how you feel each day and what might have led to you feeling that way is a great way to narrow down your triggers. This is also a great way to keep track of your successes and to watch your progress over the coming days and weeks.

Conclusion

While it might feel pretty lonely at times, almost everyone has suffered from low self-esteem at one point or another. However, the key is to overcome it rather than to let it eat away at your life.

By addressing the issue and funneling that emotion into something else, you will find that you feel more productive, happier, and your self-esteem will begin to improve.

Now, go look in the mirror and name five things you love most about yourself!

What are you waiting for? Just try it.

 

 

W| By Annabelle Short