Practicing Positivity—Self-Esteem

by Dydra Arnold

Many of us struggle with self-esteem issues. Sometimes, we may not even recognize how low our self-esteem really is. I wanted to highlight the effects that low self-esteem can have on your quality of life, the signs of low self-esteem, and different things you can try to improve your self-esteem. 

How Can Low Self-Esteem Effect Quality of Life?

Better Health Channel has listed how important low-self esteem can be in influencing quality of life. Certain ways that it can reduce quality of life include:

  • Fear of trying: A person may doubt themselves so much that they are afraid to try anything new and may avoid anything that presents itself as a challenge
  • Lack of Self-Care- A person may neglect to take care of themselves. They also may begin to abuse drugs and alcohol.
  • Relationship Problems- A person may settle for unacceptable behaviors within romantic relationships because they feel they deserve what they are being given. They don’t feel as if they are capable of being loved.

 Quality of life Is something that we all should strive to keep as healthy and rich as possible. So, how do we know if self-esteem could be standing in our way? 

Do I Struggle with Self-Esteem Issues?

Health Direct has given examples of what may be signs that you are struggling with self-esteem issues. Some of these include:

  • Being excessively critical to yourself. 
  • Having a pessimistic approach to most things. This can include talking negatively about yourself and ignoring positive aspects or achievements to focus on failures.
  • Not recognizing your self-worth and believing that you are inferior to others.
  • Feelings of depression, sadness, and anger.

Now that we have identified ways to recognize low self-esteem, we have to take action. It’s important to not let our self-esteem decrease our quality of life and stand in our own way.

Increasing Self-Esteem

There are many different things we can do to try and build our self-esteem and in turn, improve our quality of life. Along with the effects on quality of life, Better Health has listed options we can try to increase our self-esteem. They are as follows:

  • Practice talking to yourself in a positive manner- It’s important to be patient and understanding with yourself. Support yourself like you would your best friend.
  • Tell yourself a positive message everyday- Try buying inspirational cards and reading one each morning. Carry this card with you and read it throughout the day when you are needing some inspiration and a push to stay positive.
  • Acknowledge the positive- don’t brush off the positive comments or achievements, embrace them
  • Stop worrying- So many of us excessively worry. It’s important that we understand that we can’t change the future. Try your best to stay in the present.
  • Have fun- schedule some fun activities or events throughout your week. It’s important to give yourself the opportunity to let go and enjoy yourself.


Hopefully we all now have a better understanding of the signs of self-esteem issues and how it can impact our lives. If you are having self-esteem issues and are wanting to improve them, try the suggestions given above. Try your best to do these things every day and don’t give up. Give yourself time to adjust to this new routine and keep a diary to track all your progress. Don’t forget to look back at the journal and all of your progress and be sure to address and be proud of your accomplishments. 

 

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