Strategies to Help You Overcome Feelings of Insecurity

Mental health is an issue that many teens and young adults wrestle with because of insecurity. It is not uncommon for a young person to forgo opportunities and shy away from social events out of fear of what others may think about their physical appearance or opinions. In fact, research shows that seven out of 10 people in the United States have insecurities about their teeth. It seems that everyone wants to change something and that few are fully comfortable in their own skin.

How can you overcome insecurities, though, to live a more authentic life? Consider these strategies to build self-confidence.

Affirm Your Value

Whoever says you should not sound the alarm about your greatness now and again does not understand the importance of self-love. Just as you should critique yourself for improvements, you should also praise yourself when you do things right.

Take inventory of everything that went according to plan on insecure days and use this list to encourage yourself. Taking notice of the small things you got right in a day gives you the confidence to carry out the bigger goals that you have not accomplished just yet. Consider writing in a journal to help with this exercise.

Pay Attention to Your Needs First

You cannot help the next person with a project or goal in their life until you help yourself with a bit of self-care. Your needs are important and deserve your undivided attention. Understanding this concept will help you make better decisions, such as healthy eating or daily exercise, so you can have more confidence in yourself and have fewer insecurities.

When it comes to mindfulness, consider a meditation technique, like yoga. It is a highly utilized practice when adults want to focus on mindfulness. Nearly 10% of adults in the United States rely on this practice every day to keep them centered.

Move Away From Negativity

Many people desire to rid themselves of the insecurities that paralyze them. Most, however, fail to take the necessary step of moving away from negativity to gain a more harmonious life.

Individuals who do little, if anything, to contribute to your positive mood should be avoided. Some people tolerate family members and close friends with negative vibes for fear of being offensive. You should remember, though, that your mental health takes precedence over the next person’s feelings.

It is not necessary to be cruel or even tell your loved one you are moving away from them. You can simply make less time for the negative individual in your life and more time for the people who always give an uplifting word.

Do Things That Bring You Joy

If you are among the Internet savvy, then you are probably among the less than 1% of Google searchers who do not go beyond the first page of results when clicking on a link. The good news about Google is that you can find things that interest you on the first page of search results so you do not have to spend hours looking for a new hobby or trade.

You should find something that interests you and take the time to engage in the activity. Many people, for instance, enjoy dancing but shy away from the activity because they do not know how to make all the right moves on the dance floor. Using Google to connect with dance instructors could solve the dilemma of loving dance but lacking the skill needed to carry out the activity. Doing things that you love, even if you are not the most skilled at them, is a great way to build self-confidence.

Find a Therapist

Working with a therapist is sometimes the best step when trying to launch your journey into more confidence. A trained professional can oftentimes help you understand the reasons behind your insecurities so you can better work through your issues. Not only this, but mental health professionals have the necessary resources and tools to help in the best ways possible.

When it comes to feelings of insecurity, you need to find ways to combat them. Learn how to manage your mental health by finding activities and friends who make you feel good about yourself and by talking to a professional.