If the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing social distancing measures have had a toll on your self-esteem, you are not alone.
A full 40% of Americans have experienced mental health problems as a result of the pandemic, with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression being among the most widely-reported symptoms. A lack of social contact and a feeling of powerlessness, as well as physical inactivity, can have deeply negative effects on self-esteem.
However, there are ways you can mitigate the mental health impact of the past few months. If you’re wondering how to overcome low self-esteem during a pandemic, we’ve got you covered.
1. Lay Off Social Media
If you’re wondering how to improve your self-esteem in 2020, one of the most effective things you can do is put down your phone. Regular social media use has been consistently proven to worsen confidence and self-esteem during the pandemic.
Endlessly doomscrolling through Twitter is bad enough, but comparing yourself to peers who seem to be living perfect, untroubled lives during the pandemic can have an even worse effect. Isolation may be dull, but social media is not the answer.
2. Prioritize Sleep
For your self-confidence, mood levels, and your immune system, getting a healthy amount of sleep is essential. The pandemic might have thrown your daily schedule all out of whack. This, in turn, can disrupt your sleeping patterns.
Since tiredness and fatigue have been linked to low self-esteem, it is important to try and get your eight hours whenever possible. Try to stay away from screens for at least an hour or two before bed and avoid caffeine in the afternoons.
3. Look After Your Health and Hygiene
Self-care is essential for self-esteem. This has never been truer than in 2020. Looking after your physical health and hygiene will boost your mood levels and keep you feeling fresh and confident in yourself.
Even the simplest of lifestyle changes can make a big impact. For example, this helpful guide on oral hygiene explains exactly how to manage your oral health so that you can have a pearly smile that you love. These may seem like small steps, but they can make a big difference.
4. Keep Your Mind Active
It is important to keep your mind active if you don’t want to fall into the kind of negative, catastrophizing thought patterns that can cause signs of low self-esteem. The best part about this advice is that there are countless genuinely fun ways to do this.
You could finally begin reading all of those books you have been meaning to get through. You could take up a creative pursuit such as singing, playing an instrument, baking, or puzzle-solving. The list is endless.
5. Keep Your Body Active
It is equally important to keep your body active, especially since you will not be leaving the house as much as you used to. Physical activity has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health and self-esteem time and time again.
Try and incorporate a manageable fitness routine into your day that is right for you. You could try YouTube workouts, or neighborhood jogs, or take up cycling. All of these will make a big difference.
Read More: How is a psychiatry doctor different from a psychologist?
Learn More About How to Overcome Low Self-Esteem
If you are trying to learn how to overcome low self-esteem, it is important to have the right resources and know-how at your disposal. Fortunately, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our comprehensive Health and Lifestyle sections for easy-to-read advice on looking after your mental health in 2020.
