5 signs that you have low self esteem
Ever had days where you felt a bit down in the dumps or less than peachy about yourself? It’s totally normal but, if those’meh’ or ‘blah’ days are turning into weeks or even months, it might be a sign of low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can be a bit sneaky, whispering little bits of doubt into your ear and potentially bringing down your overall mood and health.
Let us discuss its vital role in your life and give you a heads-up about some signs that might hint at low self-esteem. We all have our off days, but if these negative vibes just won’t quit, it’s time to pull up a comfy seat and dig deeper into understanding your self-esteem.
Feeling the impact of low self-esteem
Low self-esteem is pretty much when you look at yourself through a not-so-nice lens, perhaps thinking you are lacking or unworthy. This kind of mindset can throw a big wet blanket over your life, muddling your personal relationships, professional highs, and even your mental and physical well-being. Identifying the signs of low self-esteem is like stepping onto the right path to tackle and get past this problem.
Tricky relationships
Low self-esteem can complicate friendships and relationships. If you see yourself as unattractive, incapable or unworthy, it can lead to a bunch of doubts about what others think of you. For example, you might feel you constantly need pats on the back from your partner, which may become a bit hard on your relationship.
A rather massive study with over 96,000 university students found that if you’re stressing over your looks, you’re probably stressing socially too. And those with lower self-esteem can feel shaky around others, making them more likely to steer clear of social gatherings.
But, hey, it doesn’t have to be this way forever. You can actually give your self-esteem a nice boost by practicing self-care and sprinkling a dash of positivity into your self-chat.
Work woes
Low self-esteem can also throw a spanner in your work life. It might make it tough for you to interpret feedback, share your cool ideas, and buddy up with colleagues. Plus, it might even halt your career growth, as you might find it tricky to stand up for yourself for better job roles or raises.
But there’s good news. A 2014 study revealed that sitting up straight can boost your self-esteem, and mood, and dial down fear during a stressful assignment.
Noticing these signs of low self-esteem and understanding their impact on your personal and work life is the first step towards reshaping your self-image and mental health. Let’s break it down, reach out for assistance, take care of ourselves and remember, you’re not alone in this.
Looking out for low self-esteem
To tackle low self-esteem, we need to spot the signs. Is it hard for you to stand up for yourself? Do you apologise more often than not? If these or some of the other signs we list below sound like you, you might be dealing with low self-esteem. But don’t worry. Like every problem, this too has a solution.
Big on apologies
If sorry seems to be your favourite word, even when you didn’t do anything wrong, that could be a telltale of low self-esteem. Watch out for this pattern, break it if needed, and let your confidence shine.
External approval
Seeking approval from others can also signal low self-esteem. Remember, your worth isn’t a public opinion poll, it’s about how you see yourself.
The negative inner voice
If your thoughts are always putting you down, then you might be dealing with low self-esteem. Switch off this negativity and channel positivity, it can lift your self-esteem significantly.
Uncomfortable with praise
Do compliments make you feel awkward? This could be a sign of low self-esteem. Embrace positive feedback, it can actually add a real zing to your self-esteem.
Unravelling Low Self-Esteem
This part focuses on various factors that may contribute to low self-esteem. Knowing what causes low self-esteem can help you to grab the bull by the horns and work towards a healthier mental state.
Past nightmares
Often, traumatic experiences like neglect, bullying or even losing a job can dent your self-esteem. Understand that it’s not easy to just get over these impacts and that it’s essential to address them for a healthier self-image.
Comparison: The thief of joy
In the era of Instagram-perfect lives, comparing ourselves with others has become an easy trap. But remember that what you see online isn’t always the entire truth. You are much more than just your achievements and appearances.
Boosting that self-esteem
Be kind to yourself
One of the best ways to boost your self-esteem is by being kind to yourself. Try to treat yourself with as much respect, kindness, and consideration as you would a close friend.
Realistic goals
Set realistic objectives. This not only helps you achieve things but also boosts your self-esteem each time you tick one off!
Pro help
If your low self-esteem feels too heavy to handle, it might be time to seek professional help. They can equip you with coping skills and boost your self-perception. Because everyone deserves all the help they need on their road to mental wellness.
So we’ve walked together through the signs and causes of low self-esteem. We’ve talked about how important it is to voice your opinions, silence your inner critic and understand past traumas. And yes, we’ve admitted that comparing ourselves to others doesn’t do us any good—especially in this age of social media. Understanding these intricacies is the first step towards a healthier, happier you. And remember, there’s nothing wrong with seeking professional help when the going gets tough. Because boosting your self-esteem isn’t just about now. It’s about becoming a better you each day, every day. So here’s to being kind to yourself, setting achievable goals, and climbing that ladder to self-improve.
You can also check out,How to let go of toxic people,saying goodbye to toxic people doesn’t always come easy, right? Even though we know they’re no good for us, we sometimes find ourselves tied down, making it seem like an impossible task to just move on.
