HOW CAN I STOP FEELING WORTHLESS?
Life can be beautiful- that is, until you start feeling worthless. Then everything suddenly looks bleak, and the whole world becomes like one big ocean that you just can’t navigate.
The feeling of worthlessness can have terrible consequences. It could cause a person to feel anxious, hopeless, useless, and insignificant. One research published by the National Library of Medicine showed that feeling worthless is the most significant of the causes of lifetime suicide attempts. It is, in fact, a major symptom of depression.
If you are feeling worthless right now, know that you are not alone. Many people have felt that way at some point in their lives, especially after a traumatic experience. Here are 4 things you can do to stop feeling worthless.
FIND OUT WHY
According to book author John Mason, “if you know the right questions, you can find the right answers.” If you feel worthless, ‘why’ is the right question to ask. It is the key to finding the solution you seek.
There are several reasons why you could be feeling this way. Perhaps you had a traumatic experience recently, or one from the past that was just triggered? Did you set a goal but failed to achieve it? Are you around people who constantly belittle you? Could it just be that you don’t like your appearance or feel like you don’t possess what you think you should, at your level?
Whatever the reason for this awful feeling, once you have identified it, you are better equipped to tackle it.
SET SMALL, ATTAINABLE GOALS
Have you failed recently or experienced a series of failed goals? Did you fail to obtain a promotion at work? In any case, failure to meet set goals can cause you to feel worthless.
One sure way to deal with failure, and feelings of worthlessness, is to succeed. Set small goals. Split large goals into small attainable chunks. This increases your chances of success significantly. More than that, it makes your progress visible. And with every goal achieved, your self-worth will grow.
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between exercise and self-worth. And for good reasons too. For one thing, the mere observance of improvement in your physical fitness can give you reasons to be proud of yourself and stop you from feeling worthless.
In addition, exercise triggers the release of particular hormones in the brain called endorphins. These hormones are known to cause feelings of happiness, reduce pain, and boost self-esteem.
So, if you’re feeling down, engage in regular exercise. Running, walking, biking, and swimming are some exercises that are especially effective in improving self-worth. Join a gym and partake in Yoga, Pilates classes and meditate regularly, not only does it benefit your overall flexibility and mobility but it is great for social interaction. Engage in whichever activities you’re most comfortable with and feel the happy rush that endorphins are sure to bring, along with improved self-esteem.
CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY
“Bad associations spoil useful habits,” says an ancient book of wisdom. If your associates constantly make you feel worthless, they are bad for you.
Your friends should make you feel valued. They should cheer you on in your endeavors and help you back up when you fail. If they are not doing these, it’s probably time to move on. Surround yourself with the right people, and your feelings of self-worth will improve.
The following 4 tips will help to stop your feelings of worthlessness. However, you should see a medical practitioner and/or therapist if feelings persist. Don’t think of it as a bad thing. Remember, you are unique. You deserve to be happy. Stop at nothing to achieve that.
REFERENCE
- Feelings of worthlessness is the most significant cause of suicidal attempts
- Relationship between exercise and self-esteem
- Exercise triggers the release of feel good hormones
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