SELF-ESTEEM is also self-confidence, it is how we value, carry and perceive ourselves. It is not pride, arrogance, or self-gratification, it is self-respect. We have two major types of Self-esteem, which are: High Self-esteem and Low Self-esteem.
Self-esteem is carrying oneself with respect and uniqueness, and being confident in all you do.
Low Self-esteem is when you tend to satisfy others instead of doing what is good for you. You get scared of being seen as a loser, thereby hiding in your shell.
Our focus will be on Low Self-esteem because many times, we find youths not being able to express themselves well as a result of low self-esteem.
Low self-esteem is known to be caused by the following factors:
Timidity: Also known as shyness or lack of confidence. If you are always hiding in your shell, building your Self-esteem will be hard as such, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
Bullying: Bullying and intimidation by peers can hurt one’s self-esteem. Harsh words stick to the mind and that becomes part of how you think about yourself.
Covetousness: If you are never satisfied with what you have, you will be limited because you will begin to compare yourself with those whom you think are ahead of you and that could cause self-hatred.
There are several ways to boost your Self-esteem which include;
Be positive about yourself: Erase every negativity from your mindset, what you say and feel about yourself plays a big part in boosting your Self-esteem. Start thinking positively, because it keeps and strengthens you.
Be exposed: You can only grow with the level of exposure you have, the way you see things and reason will begin to change. You will start to think outside the box. You will never grow if you don’t have people that inspire you.
Be yourself: Simplicity is the glory of expression, do what makes you happy. You don’t have to satisfy others when you are suffering. Try associating with people to help build your confidence.
Therefore, Self-care is never a selfish act, it is self-respect.
Bolakale Fadekemi is an ND2 student of Mass Communication.
