Teenage years are quite challenging. This is the period when you are neither classified as a child nor an adult. You have to be at your level best. Your parents, teachers, peers expect a lot from you and sometimes, however, there comes a point in your life when you’re not able to stand up to their expectations and experience failure. Consequently, after certain sets of failures you have to deal with criticism. This leads to a severe blow to your self-confidence and eventually you lose it.
This was just an example, there are many more reasons that might have contributed to your low self-esteem. It’s okay if you have a low self-esteem, it’s totally fine! Just remember that there are thousands in this world, who had dealt with this situation and came out of it successfully and soon you’ll be one of one of them! I too experienced a low self-esteem and believe me there’s a cure to this troubling issue of yours. So just hold back and follow these directives:
Huggie Time!
Yes! Huggie Time is the perfect solution. Hug yourself tightly and murmur this to yourself- ‘(your name) I love you, you’re the best!’ Do this two times a day (let me be more precise-) the moment after you wake up, and the moment when you are about to go to sleep. Try this technique and follow it strictly until you feel better…(it surely works!)
Help someone in need!
Whenever you help someone, you feel wonderful and happy. You feel good about yourself! Donate your pocket-money (I understand, it can be tough!) or help a friend in need.
Self Affirmation is a must!
You’ve lost your self-esteem because you’ve been too negative and critical towards yourself. Just try to focus on your thoughts (try it right now!) or remember what was your last reaction when your mom told you that you look gorgeous in that outfit. Was the thought or reaction over critical? Did you find yourself overly judgemental and unsympathetic? Stop it right away! Imagine you have a friend who is selfish but dear to you. Would you tell her right on her face that she is an egocentric and a self-absorbed person? If your answer’s a ‘yes’ then definitely you’ll see her teary eyed and soon realize you’ve deeply hurt her feelings.
If your answer’s a ‘no way!’ then just think what have you been doing to yourself for past few days or months? You’ve deeply hurt yourself, haven’t you? Now is the time to heal those wounds. Here’s the solution- three times a day, sit in front of the mirror and speak good about yourself, appreciate your good heart, how you helped a friend when he was in need, tell yourself that you’re a beautiful soul, you are unique!
Choose the right people!
Spend time with those who are positive and kind towards you. Talk to them about your problems, ask them their opinions, ask them what they like about you. You’ll be amazed and thrilled by their answers! ‘Oh my god! Do you really find me lighthearted and fun to be with’ might be your reaction. You can talk to your parents and close friends about this.
Find new hobbies!
By doing this you’ll definitely find out that you’re talented! Don’t be disheartened at first if you tried your best but could not accomplish as a good singer, at least you tried and that’s a great thing! Some people don’t even give it a chance but you did!
Remember no one’s perfect! Try out something new everyday!
Last but not the least
Stay Positive!
You have to be alert all the time, have you been dwelling on negative thoughts? Take a step further and kick those thoughts out. They don’t deserve your precious time, do they? Now, think positive. That’s it. For instance, you’ve been thinking about your project presentation tomorrow and have been constantly saying this to yourself- ‘What if no one likes my presentation tomorrow?’
Change your thought by saying-‘No, this won’t happen. I’ve given my best and so do I deserve the best!
Anshika Jhamb is the student of Gold Crest High, Vashi, Navi Mumbai