Insecurities are not only uncomfortable, but they can also be downright crippling. Especially when it comes to our self-perception and how we feel about ourselves. We often obsess over what others think of us or make excuses for why we don’t deserve the attention that others seem so effortlessly to receive. But in reality, insecurity is a natural emotion that we all experience from time to time.
It’s important to love yourself because if you don’t, nobody else will. You are the only one who knows yourself inside and out, so it’s up to you to make sure that you are happy with who you are. If you’re not happy with yourself, it’ll be difficult to find happiness in anything else.
Here are some things you can do to work through your insecurities and start to love yourself:
Acknowledge Your insecurities
The first step in getting over your insecurities is acknowledging that you have them. It’s important that you’re honest with yourself and not try to bury or ignore your feelings. Once you’ve identified your insecurities, you can start to address them head-on. Challenge your negative thoughts.
When you’re struggling with insecurity, it’s easy to get wrapped up in negative thoughts about yourself. But it’s important to challenge these thoughts and question their validity. Are they really true? Or are they just your own opinions? Once you start to recognize these thoughts for what they are, you can start to let them go.
Determine Where Your Insecurities Come From
Insecurities can often be traced back to our childhoods or our experiences growing up. It can also come from the way we look at ourselves. If you can identify where your insecurities come from, you can begin to address them. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you unpack your past and understand why you feel the way you do. Or if you have insecurity problems that are superficial, try to address them. Say you’ve gained weight, try to focus on fitness. Working out and having a balanced diet could get you on track to a better body image and a higher level of self-confidence. Or maybe you have a condition that gives you hair loss. You can try non-invasive procedures like micropigmentation for your scalp. It’s a cosmetic procedure that involves the implantation of pigment into the scalp to give the appearance of a fuller head of hair. Acknowledging your insecurities is important, but it’s also essential that you do something about them.
Focus On Your Positive Qualities
When you’re feeling insecure, it’s easy to focus on all the things you perceive as flaws or weaknesses. But instead of dwelling on these negative qualities, try to focus on your positive qualities instead. What are some things you like about yourself? Write them down and refer to them when you’re feeling down.
Spend Time With Positive People
The people we spend our time with have a huge impact on our self-perception. If you’re constantly hanging out with negative people, it’s going to be tough to feel good about yourself. But if you surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself, it’ll be easier to start to love yourself.
Challenge Yourself
One of the best ways to start to feel better about yourself is to challenge yourself. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. When you do something that you’re afraid of, it’ll help you feel more confident in yourself.
Self-Affirmation
Self-affirmation is the practice of speaking kindly and positively to yourself. It’s a way of counteracting negative self-talk and building yourself up. When you’re feeling down about yourself, try using some positive affirmations. According to a 2017 study, self-affirmation improves executive functioning performance. There are statements that you can tell yourself to make yourself feel valued. You can say “I am competent and capable,” or “I am a good person.” Don’t forget the famous “I am worthy of love and respect” because everyone is. Start this and you’d soon feel less insecure and more confident.
Be Kind To Yourself
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to be kind and gentle. Don’t beat yourself up over your mistakes or dwell on your insecurities. Instead, try to be supportive and understanding. Accepting yourself for who you are is an important step in loving yourself.
So there you have it! It’s not going to be easy, but if you work on it, you can start to overcome your insecurities and love yourself. Just remember to be patient, focus on your positive qualities, and surround yourself with positive people. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself!
