The current global pandemic has led to dramatic changes in our lives. We’re experiencing economic uncertainty, social turmoil, etc. and all of this has affected our self-esteem and morale. Social distancing, working from home, school closures, widespread layoffs and furloughs, and worries about staying healthy are all factors to make this a disruptive and distressing time. Our daily lives have been upended, and our stress levels have probably skyrocketed. Some of us may also be grieving the loss of loved ones or facing severe financial difficulties. All these factors add up to a perfect recipe for being anxious and questioning our self-worth.
Whether the factor affecting your life is a worldwide pandemic or an individual misfortune or both—living through troublesome occasions can negatively affect your health, mood, and outlook. It can leave you feeling vulnerable and overpowered and make you under-confident.
So, we reached out to Life Coach Ashna Dhanuka and asked her to share some simple things we can do to boost our morale. Ashna says,
Each time you feel low, it’s important to realise that you’re not alone in this. The truth is that millions of people are walking down this challenging and often painful road with you. It’s only normal to feel a little disturbed when times are tough, but we need to learn to get back on track and not let it affect our mental wellbeing and confidence in the long run.
Here Are Some Tips To Help You Regain Your Confidence:
1. Acceptance
We’re in a time of massive upheaval. There are so many things outside of our control, including how long the pandemic lasts, how other people behave, and what’s going to happen. It’s tough but we need to accept it. For example, if you lost your job, or feel inadequate helping your children with remote learning, remind yourself that this is all beyond your control. Don’t take it personally and know that this too shall pass. Give yourself time and don’t rush the healing process. Be patient and allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling without guilt.
2. Talk to yourself
It may sound crazy, but it sure does wonders. Make it a point that whenever you begin to doubt your ability, you stop the stinkin’ thinking and replace doubt with belief. Reassure yourself that you can get through this and not otherwise. Be positive, because the way you talk to yourself influences your neurobiological response to it. When you say, “I know what to do here” or see things as a challenge rather than a problem, you’ve turned your response into a positive one.
3. Celebrate little victories
We often tend to ignore the little things that give us joy. It’s time to embrace those. For instance, you tried a new recipe and killed it? Well, celebrate it. You had a long productive day? Acknowledge it and give yourself a pat on the back for getting the work done. These little victories may seem like nothing, but they will surely help you boost your confidence and cheer you up!
4. Get out of those pajamas!
As much as we all love the idea of being able to work from the luxury of sitting in our own beds, changing from one pajama to another–dressing up will actually uplift your mood. Get up, pick out your favorite outfit, put on some makeup, and begin your day, and you will see the results for yourself. You feel good when you look good and this will definitely make your day a lot happier.
5. Stay connected—even if physically isolated
Social distancing comes with its own risks. Humans are social animals and we’re hardwired for connection. Isolation forlornness can worsen uneasiness and despondency, and even affect our actual wellbeing. Make it a priority to keep in touch with family and friends. Don’t let the pandemic dominate every conversation. It’s important to take breaks from stressful thoughts about the pandemic to simply enjoy each other’s company—to laugh, share stories, and focus on other things going on in our lives.
6. Maintain a routine
During this health crisis, it’s tempting to slip into bad habits, especially if you’re stuck at home and not able to work. You may sleep irregular hours, overeat to relieve the stress and boredom, or drink too much to fill the lonely evenings. But by adopting a healthier daily routine, you can bolster your mood, and feel more energised. Sleeping too much or too little, skipping meals or exercise, and neglecting your personal care only feed into you feeling low and under-confident. Establishing and maintaining a daily routine adds structure to your day. Try to include set times for exercising, spending time outside, and communicating with friends each day apart from the daily chores.
7. Be resilient
Nobody is born being resilient, but everyone has the ability inside of them to be resilient. Just like self-confidence, resilience is already inside of you and you only need to take it out! The benefits of being resilient are that you won’t be afraid of taking action or of the results not being exactly as you want them to be…you will be okay with this. Having resilience means that no matter what will come your way, you will be able to bounce back from it. Resilience gives you a great ability to adapt to any new situation. It helps you become unafraid of taking risks because you know that no matter what, you will be okay!
Regardless of whether you’ve been living alone, or have lost touch with your loved ones, or have lost your job, or are struggling financially, you can succeed, bypass the challenges, boost your confidence and accomplish your dreams.
How are you coping right now? Please share it with us in the comments below!
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