How To Love Yourself Again When Your Confidence Has Been Knocked

How To Love Yourself Again When Your Confidence Has Been Knocked

Rebuilding your sense of self-worth after it’s been demolished can feel like a daunting task, but it’s definitely not an impossible one. Whether it’s losing a job, getting dumped, or simply going through a tough time that has knocked your confidence, here’s how to love yourself again.

1. Accept Your Feelings as valid.

When your confidence takes a hit, it’s normal to find yourself dealing with a range of emotions. You might feel let down, upset, or even a bit frustrated. It’s important to give yourself the space to genuinely experience these feelings. Acknowledging them is not about indulging in negativity; it’s about giving yourself a chance to process and understand what you’re going through.

Ignoring these feelings or pretending they don’t exist often only makes matters worse. They tend to resurface later, sometimes more intensely. By allowing yourself to feel and understand these emotions, you’re practicing self-compassion. This step is vital in the journey towards healing your confidence. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a good friend in a similar situation.

2. Let it all out.

There’s something really empowering about being able to express yourself just as you are. It’s about not holding back your true thoughts and feelings, whether that’s through talking with friends, writing in a journal, painting, or any other form of self-expression. This process of speaking your truth helps in reaffirming who you are. It’s like you’re reinforcing your identity and values every time you express yourself authentically. And each time you do it, you’re reminding yourself of your worth and rebuilding that inner confidence that might have taken a hit.

3. Turn Your Love Life Around with Just Your Mind!

Discover the power of thought with Sweetn. Our quick quiz and tools make finding love easy and fun. Click to try now!

4. Remember You’re Not Alone.

It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re going through a rough patch, especially when it comes to something as personal as your self-confidence. But it’s important to remember that everyone, at some point, experiences these dips. You’re not the only one who’s had to face this kind of challenge. There’s a whole world of people out there who have felt exactly how you’re feeling now and have come out stronger on the other side.

Sometimes, just knowing that can be a huge comfort. It’s a reminder that this isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a bump along the way. Connecting with others, whether through support groups, friends, or online communities, can help remind you of this shared human experience and provide comfort and motivation.

5. Wear something that makes you feel amazing.

It might sound simple, but the way you dress can really have an impact on how you feel about yourself. It’s not about dressing to impress others or following the latest fashion trends. It’s about choosing clothes that make you feel good, that make you feel ‘you.’ When you wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, it can give you a little boost. It’s like when you wear your favorite outfit, and you just feel more ready to tackle the day.

This isn’t about vanity or superficiality; it’s about using your personal style as a tool to reinforce your self-esteem. Whether it’s a favorite shirt, a pair of shoes that make you feel unstoppable, or an accessory that holds special meaning, these choices can subtly lift your spirits and remind you of your worth and individuality. So, take some time to think about what makes you feel great when you wear it, and let that be a small, daily way of rebuilding your confidence.

6. Limit the time you spend around negative influences.

In life, we often come across people or situations that can drag us down or dampen our spirits. When you’re working on loving yourself and boosting your confidence, it’s important to limit these negative influences. It could be as simple as spending less time with someone who always criticizes you, or not watching news that makes you anxious. Think of it as pruning the branches in your life that don’t bring any fruit. By reducing these downers, you make more room for positivity and self-love to grow. It’s about creating an environment where you can thrive.

7. Even if it feels corny, practice affirmations.

Personal affirmations can be incredibly powerful in rebuilding self-love and confidence. Think of them as your own personal cheerleading chants. Create affirmations that resonate deeply with you; they could be about your strengths, your aspirations, or positive beliefs about yourself. Repeat these affirmations daily, maybe in the morning in front of a mirror or during a quiet moment in your day. It’s like planting seeds of positivity in your mind. Over time, these repeated affirmations can help change the way you view yourself, reinforcing a positive self-image and a mindset of self-compassion.

8. Volunteer or Help Others.

There’s a unique kind of fulfillment that comes from helping others. Volunteering or lending a hand to someone can boost your sense of purpose and self-worth. It’s not just about the act of giving; it’s about the connection and the reminder that you have value to offer. Whether it’s helping at a local shelter, tutoring students, or just helping a neighbor, these acts of kindness can reflect back on you, showing you a mirror of your own goodness. It’s a way to step outside your own struggles and see yourself as a positive force in the world.

9. Remind Yourself of Your Strengths.

Sometimes, we all need a little reminder of what we’re good at. Make a list of your strengths and the qualities you like about yourself. It could be your sense of humor, your creativity, your ability to solve problems, or just the way you make your friends feel. Revisit this list whenever you’re feeling low. It’s like having a personal highlight reel that reminds you of your unique talents and qualities. Celebrating these strengths regularly can help cement your sense of self-worth and reignite that inner flame of confidence.

Piper Ryan is a NYC-based writer and matchmaker who works to bring millennials who are sick of dating apps and the bar scene together in an organic and efficient way. To date, she's paired up more than 120 couples, many of whom have gone on to get married. Her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, Time Out New York, The Cut, and many more.

In addition to runnnig her own business, Piper is passionate about charity work, advocating for vulnerable women and children in her local area and across the country. She is currently working on her first book, a non-fiction collection of stories focusing on female empowerment.
close-link
close-link
close-link
close-link